U.S. Army Sergeant Edward J. Frank II, born on April 17, 1985, was a dedicated and courageous soldier whose life was tragically cut short on August 11, 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Frank, 26, sustained fatal injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during his deployment with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, New York.

Sgt. Frank, known as Jeffrey to his family, was a native of Hartford, Connecticut. He later moved to New York, where he grew up and attended school. Before his military service, he lived in Yonkers, New York. At the time of his enlistment in August 2005, he was residing in Watertown, New York, near his base at Fort Drum.

Throughout his military career, Sgt. Frank displayed unwavering commitment and bravery. He completed two tours in Iraq before his deployment to Afghanistan in March 2011. His role as a squad leader exemplified his leadership and dedication to his comrades and his mission.

Sgt. Frank’s awards and decorations are a testament to his valor and service. These include two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

He is survived by his loving wife, Selena Frank, and their three children, Del’von, D’zhanee, and Dayvontay. His parents, Edward J. Frank and Sandra Brown, also mourn his loss. Sandra Brown recalls her son’s dedication to his duty, stating, “This is something he loved to do. He said, ‘Mom, I’m not going to leave anybody behind.’ This is what he wanted.”

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra honored Sgt. Frank’s memory by ordering state and city flags to be flown at half-staff. Gov. Malloy expressed the collective grief felt by the community, saying, “We are mourning the loss of yet another one of Connecticut’s fallen heroes. These wars have taken a terrible toll on our military and their families, and they cast a long shadow over communities all across Connecticut. Our thoughts and our prayers are with those who are grieving for the brave men and women who have lost their lives in service to the nation, and our troops who are still overseas.”

Sgt. Frank’s legacy is one of bravery, dedication, and love for his family and country. As his daughter D’zhanee poignantly reflected, he was “a very nice guy” who brought joy to his family. His sacrifice and service continue to inspire and remind us of the profound cost of our freedoms.

Sgt. Edward J. Frank II is remembered not only for his heroism in battle but also for the love and dedication he showed to his family and friends. His life and service remain a beacon of courage and selflessness, forever etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.