FORT HOOD, Texas - The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer Deric Michael Rasmussen, 33, whose home of record is listed as Oceanside, California, died May 11, in Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan, as the result of a non-combat incident.
Rasmussen joined the military in January 2003 and was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Fort Hood since January 2013.
Rasmussen deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2007 to September 2007. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2014.
His awards and decoration include two Joint Service Commendation Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Aviator Badge.
Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.