Sgt. 1st Class Eric M. Emond, 39, succumbed to wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated while conducting combat operations on November 27th, 2018 in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. Emond was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Emond, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, had more than 21 years of military service, having served in the Marine Corps and the Army. This was his seventh overseas tour. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Purple Heart (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, NATO Achievement Medal (2nd award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4th award), NATO Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, and Combat Action Badge. Emond was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. He is survived by his wife and three children.