Major Jeffrey R. Calero, 34, was killed in action on Oct. 29, while conducting a combat patrol in the southern Afghan city of Kajaki while serving with ODA 2132 of Company C, 1st Battalion, 20 th Special Forces
Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Summer 2007 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Calero, born in Puerto Rico and raised in Queens Village, N.Y. graduated from Saint Francis Preparatory High School in Queens, N.Y. where he excelled in football. Upon graduation he received a partial scholarship to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. He voluntarily enrolled in ROTC and upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1995 was commissioned as a Infantry 2 nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. In 2001 he earned the coveted “Green Beret.”
As a civilian, Calero worked in New York City as a Mechanical Engineer. He was working towards earning his Professional Engineering License to open his own firm.
Calero’s military education includes; Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Infantry Officers Advanced Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Ranger Course, Special Forces Qualification Course.
His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab. He was also authorized the following Commonwealth of Massachusetts awards: Mass. Service Medal, Mass. Defense Service Medal, Mass. Defense Expeditionary Medal and the Mass. Emergency Service Ribbon.
Calero was posthumously promoted to the rank of major.
Calero is survived by his father and mother, Raymond and Roselle Calero both of Queens, N.Y.; brother, Dennis Calero; sister, Irene and sister, Joyce Crespo and three nieces, Amelia, Lauren and Claire.
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