11/13/2025
Staff Sergeant Richard A. Vazquez lived the quiet, steady professionalism that defines the U.S. Army Special Forces. Born in Santa Barbara, California, he enlisted with a desire to serve at the highest level and earned his place among the Green Berets after completing the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course. He became an 18C Special Forces Engineer Sergeant and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg.
Vazquez deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, bringing with him a reputation for technical expertise, calm leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates. Whether building fortifications, clearing routes, or handling complex explosives tasks under pressure, he was the kind of operator others trusted without hesitation.
On November 13, 2013, during combat operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, SSG Vazquez was killed by an improvised explosive device while working alongside his ODA. He was 28 years old.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the NATO Medal, the Special Forces Tab, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, among others.
Those who knew him remember a Green Beret who never sought attention, only the opportunity to serve, support his brothers, and make a difference on every mission.
