Leli, Kelliann

Maj. Kelliann Leli was a 30-year-old physician assistant serving with the U.S. Air Force's 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron, based at Travis Air Force Base in California. A native of Parlin, New Jersey, she was commissioned as an officer in 2017 and was assigned to 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,' a designation the Air Force later clarified was related to a non-combat incident during a mission in support of combat operations. No further operational details were released.

Leli's death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. military's mission in Afghanistan that succeeded Operation Enduring Freedom in 2015. The mission involved counter-terrorism operations and advising Afghan forces. Al Dhafra Air Base served as a critical logistics and support hub for U.S. and coalition activities across the region.

Following her death, the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base issued a statement mourning the loss of a dedicated medical professional and officer. Her remains were returned to the United States in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Leli was posthumously promoted from captain to the rank of major. She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Her name is inscribed on a memorial at Travis Air Force Base.

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: Sanchez, Maria Victoria, Dawson, John Michael, Ruiz, Pablo Allende Iii, Mckenna, Peter Andrew Jr.

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