FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, a Special Forces communications sergeant, assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died Tuesday, June 25, 2019, while engaged in combat operations.
He was deployed in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel serving in Uruzgan Province on his sixth deployment to Afghanistan.
Riley, a seasoned and experienced Soldier, will always be honored and remembered according to the commander of 10th SFG (A), Col. Lawrence G. Ferguson.
"It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of Master Sgt. Micheal Riley in Afghanistan," Ferguson said. "Mike was an experienced Special Forces noncommissioned officer and the veteran of five previous deployments to Afghanistan. We will honor his service and sacrifice as we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission."
Riley was born Dec. 6, 1986, in Germany. He joined the U.S. Army in March 2006. After completing basic combat training and airborne school, he was assigned to the 112th Special Operations Command Europe Signal Detachment. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2012 and was assigned to 10th SFG (A).
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, and Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.
For questions please contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, loren.bymer@socom.mil or 910-432-3383.
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