Barnes, Rocco Martin

Major Rocco Martin Barnes was a 51-year-old officer from Los Angeles, California, serving with the California Army National Guard. He was assigned to Tactical Command Post Forward 3, a unit supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Barnes died on June 4, 2009, from wounds sustained in a non-combat related incident at Bagram Airfield. The official release stated the incident was under investigation. No further details on the specific circumstances were publicly disclosed.

Barnes's death occurred during a period of escalating violence in the Afghanistan war. By 2009, insurgent forces had regrouped, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was increasing significantly. U.S. and coalition casualty figures were rising as troop levels surged.

Major Barnes was one of four U.S. service members whose death was announced by the Pentagon on June 5, 2009. His remains were returned to the United States. A memorial service was reportedly held in California.

He is listed on the California Army National Guard Memorial Wall and is remembered on online veterans' memorials. His name appears on the Afghanistan War casualty rolls maintained by the Department of Defense.

Major Barnes was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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