Soldier’s passing hits home at WRANGB

     Airmen, soldiers and supporters honor another fallen Oklahoma Army Soldier during a dignified transfer performed here Aug. 23, 2011 at the base flight line.
     1st Lt. Damon T. Leehan was the son-in-law of Brig. Gen. (Ret) Ed Stevens, former 137 AW commander, and cousin of Master Sgt Bruce Leehan, 185 ARW Boom Operator.
     1st Lt. Leehan previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2003-2004 after enlisting in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1998. In 2008 he completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
     Leehan, 30, was platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 179 Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Edmond, Okla.
     He was killed Aug. 14 when his military vehicle struck a roadside bomb. His unit was conducting operations in the Alingar District of Laghman Province.
     "Oklahoma has lost an outstanding Citizen-Soldier who was committed to defending our nation and protecting our way of life," said Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, Adjutant General for Oklahoma. "Lieutenant Leehan served this nation and our state with great honor and distinction for more than a decade. His sacrifice will never be forgotten," Myles said.
     He is survived by his wife Audrey, and children Emma and Ethan.