Lobraico, Todd James Jr
Male
Verified Staff Sgt. Todd James Lobraico Jr., 22, of Sherman, Connecticut, was a member of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Security Forces Squadron. He was killed by enemy small-arms fire on September 5, 2013, near Bagram Airfield, Afghanista
Their Story
Todd James Lobraico Jr. was a 22-year-old from Sherman, Connecticut. He enlisted in the New York Air National Guard in 2008, following his mother, a master sergeant in the same unit. He served with the 105th Security Forces Squadron, based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. Before his deployment, he was a student at the University of Connecticut.
On September 5, 2013, Lobraico was part of a small team conducting a foot patrol outside the security perimeter of Bagram Airfield, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan. According to military reports, the patrol was ambushed by insurgents using small-arms fire. Lobraico was killed in the engagement. Another airman was wounded. The incident occurred in Parwan province, north of Kabul.
Lobraico's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the 9/11 attacks. The mission evolved from counter-terrorism to counter-insurgency and training of Afghan forces. By 2013, U.S. forces were drawing down but still engaged in combat operations, primarily in an advisory and support role.
His death was reported by major news outlets, including The New York Times and the Department of Defense. A memorial service was held at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy ordered flags lowered to half-staff. His family described him as a dedicated airman who loved his job and his country.
Staff Sgt. Lobraico was posthumously promoted from senior airman. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the Connecticut Veterans Memorial in Rocky Hill and is listed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the University of Connecticut, where a scholarship was established in his memory.
Explore Further
Staff Sgt. Lobraico 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.
