An Army sergeant based in Kansas was killed in action this week in Afghanistan. According to a news release, 30-year-old Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey of Hazel Green, Wisconsin died March 12th in Kandahar Province while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was a military policeman assigned to the 287th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan.

This was his second deployment in support Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Grindey entered the Army March 2002. He was assigned to Fort Riley in July 2011.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon with three stars, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon.

To date, 197 Fort Riley Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors have died while serving in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Grindey’s death is under investigation, and the Pentagon is not releasing additional details about the circumstances of his death. Results of that investigation are provided to the family, but will remain private.