Massachusetts Father Of 3 Killed In Afghanistan

BOSTON – A U.S. Special Forces Soldier from Massachusetts who was serving his seventh tour in Afghanistan was one of three US soldiers killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb in one of the deadliest attacks against US Forces this year there.

Army Sergeant First Class Eric Michael Emond, 39, who grew up in Fall River and lived in Dorchester and spent some time in Washington state before moving to North Carolina, was one of two Special Forces soldiers who died after their vehicle was hit “by an improvised explosive device in while conducting combat operations in Ghazni province,” the Department of Defense said in a statement Wednesday.

Both Emond and Captain Andrew P. Ross, 29, of Virginia both died, according to a news release from the U.S. Army. He and Ross were assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C. Air Force Staff Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, 25 of Pennsylvania,was also killed.

"Andrew and Eric were invaluable members and leaders in 3rd Special Forces Group and the special operations community. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the families of these brave men,” said Col. Nathan Prussian in a statement.

During his fifth deployment, Emond was wounded during a five-hour battle and spent seven months in Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from brain and spine injuries, according to Competitor Running magazine, which ran an article about a fundraiser for veterans that featured him.

Emond had more than 21 years of military service under his belt, having served in the Marine Corps and the Army. He was highly decorated and had more than 15 medals. Emond was posthumously awarded a fourth Bronze Star Medal, a third Purple Heart and a Meritorious Service Medal.

Governor Charlie Baker took to social media to say he was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of” Emond. “Sgt. Emond was a highly decorated soldier and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be forever grateful for his bravery and honorable service to the country throughout seven tours of duty overseas,” said Baker.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said in a tweet, “I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of all three service members who gave the greatest sacrifice serving our country, including our own Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond.”

Photo courtesy US Army