Sanchez, Ian Thomas

Sergeant Ian Thomas Sanchez was a soldier in the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, part of a task force deployed to eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In June 2006, his unit was operating in the remote and rugged Pech River Valley of Kunar Province. The area was a known insurgent stronghold and the scene of frequent, intense combat. U.S. forces conducted counterinsurgency operations there to disrupt militant networks.

On June 16, 2006, Sanchez's unit was engaged by hostile enemy forces during combat operations in the valley. The Department of Defense announced that Sanchez, aged 26, died from wounds sustained in that engagement. No further specifics of the incident were publicly released.

Sanchez was from Staten Island, New York. His death occurred during a period of escalating violence in Afghanistan, as Taliban and other insurgent groups reorganized and intensified their campaign against coalition and Afghan government forces.

Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan, began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The conflict concluded in December 2014, when the mission was formally ended and transitioned to a training and support role.

Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. war in Afghanistan, began in 2001 and 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.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record