Fallen Soldier: Jared Van Aalst

Army Master Sergeant Jared Van Aalst, 34, of Laconia, N.H., was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. He was killed on August 4th, 2010 from gunshot wounds sustained while conducting combat operations during service in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jared Van Aalst enlisted in the U.S. Army as a signal support systems specialist in August of 1995, just two years after graduating from Plymouth Regional High School. He became a Ranger, team leader, squad leader, sniper platoon sergeant and was chosen to be an instructor in the Army Marksmanship Unit; all before his first deployment in 2003. MSG Van Aalst received many awards and medals including two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and the Defense Meritorious Medal.

In April of 2015, MSG Van Aalst was honored with a road sign at the entrance of the Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia.

MSG Van Aalst is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. His youngest two children are Folds of Honor Children’s Fund Scholarship recipients.