Leli, Kelliann
Female
Verified Maj. Kelliann Leli, 30, of Parlin, New Jersey, was a U.S. Air Force officer serving with the 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron. She died on November 27, 2020, at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Their Story
Maj. Kelliann Leli was a 30-year-old Air Force officer from Parlin, New Jersey. She served as a physician assistant with the 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron, based at Travis Air Force Base in California, under Air Mobility Command.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Leli died on November 27, 2020, at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The official casualty report listed her death as 'killed in action,' though the specific circumstances of the incident were not detailed in public releases.
Her death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan that succeeded Operation Enduring Freedom. The operation, which began on January 1, 2015, focused on counterterrorism and advising Afghan forces, with support operations extending to bases across the Middle East.
Leli's death was formally entered into the Defense Casualty Analysis System. Her passing was noted in official military releases and local New Jersey news reports, which identified her hometown and unit.
Maj. Leli's name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center. She was posthumously promoted from captain to major, a recognition of her service and rank at the time of her death.
Explore Further
Maj. Kelliann Leli was killed during Operation Freedom's Sentinel (ongoing since 2015). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Golden, Jonathan Joseph, Sanchez, Maria Victoria, Dawson, John Michael, Ruiz, Pablo Allende Iii.
