SSgt Jason A. Lehto, 31, U.S.M.C., born October 31, 1973, was killed in action on December 28, 2004. Lehto served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician with Marine Wing Support Group 47, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, he was tasked with disarming IEDs that the Taliban frequently planted at Al Asad Air Base. While performing a routine defusal, he passed away when the device suddenly detonated. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!