Loeza, Roberto Jr
Male
Verified U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Roberto Loeza Jr., 28, of El Paso, Texas, was killed in a hostile incident at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, on May 25, 2012.
Their Story
Staff Sergeant Roberto Loeza Jr. was a 28-year-old soldier from El Paso, Texas. He served with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Bliss, Texas. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On May 25, 2012, Loeza died at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense listed the cause as hostile fire. According to reports, the base came under indirect fire, which includes rocket or mortar attacks, though the specific details of the incident were not widely published.
Loeza's death occurred during a period of intense fighting in eastern Afghanistan. In 2012, Logar Province was a contested area where insurgent forces frequently targeted coalition bases with indirect fire and complex attacks. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team was engaged in security and counterinsurgency operations in the region.
Following his death, Loeza was posthumously promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant. He was survived by his wife and children. His body was returned to the United States, and services were held in El Paso.
His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at Fort Bliss and is included in the Defense Casualty Analysis System. He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated soldier.
Explore Further
Staff Sergeant Roberto Loeza Jr. 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.
