By Surveyor Staff

Spc. Gabriel D. Conde

The U.S. military has identified the American soldier who was killed during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan Monday April 30. Spc. Gabriel D. Conde, 22, of Loveland, Colo., was killed in action as a result of enemy small-arms fire.

Conde graduated from Berthoud High School in 2014. He was involved in Honor Band, track and was on the honor roll. He received numerous scholarships upon graduation: Colorado School of Mines Merit Scholarship, Poudre Valley REA scholarship, United States National Guard and BHS Honors diploma.

Kristina Leonard, track coach at Turner Middle School and his track coach said, “Gabe was an exceptional young man. He loved adventure and being in the outdoors. He loved making others laugh. Gabe gave of himself on mission trips and in service to his community. He would see something that needed to be done and do it without asking. Gabe was a tremendous role model for the younger kids. His passion for playing the trumpet, running, helping others, fitness and fun will be remembered by all who knew him. Gabe loved his family, friends, God and country. Gabe is a true hero and I am so blessed to have been a part of his journey.”

Conde, along with another soldier who was injured in the exchange but expected to recover, were part of Operation Freedom Sentinel, a mission that began in 2015 to target terrorists as part of the war in Afghanistan.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge. He enlisted in the Army in August 2015 and had been assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska since April 2016. Conde deployed with the brigade to Afghanistan in September.

The military said the incident is under investigation.