WASHINGTON — A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient from Takoma Park, Maryland, died this week while serving his second deployment in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas, who grew up in Takoma Park, lost his life Tuesday when an improvised explosive device went off while he was on patrol in Nangarhar province, the Army said Wednesday.
Thomas served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th special forces group and spent more than eight years in the military. He was four months into his second deployment in Afghanistan.
Thomas attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and was based out of Fort Carson outside Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart learned of Thomas’ death during a city council meeting Wednesday. She said community members, many who didn’t know Thomas, have reached out asking if the city will honor his memory.
“A loss like this for our community is a great one,” she said.
In a statement, Col. Isaac Peltier, the commander of Fort Carson, said “Staff Sgt. Thomas epitomized what it is to be a professional Green Beret and Soldier.”
Thomas was 31 years old.
He was awarded four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement medals, and two Army Good Conduct Medals. Thomas was also decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, three Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and two NATO medals to name a few.
