Last Updated on May 12, 2020 by Luke Feldbrugge
The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Special Forces Foundation to help support the family of fallen Master Sgt. Luis F. DeLeon-Figueroa who was killed in action on August 21, 2019 while serving during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Luis is survived by his fiancee and their daughter, and the Homes for Heroes Foundation grant will go toward helping them make mortgage payments and cover other expenses.
Master Sgt. DeLeon-Figueroa Served His Country
DeLeon-Figueroa, 31, was a native of Puerto Rico and Chicopee, Massachusetts, resident. He served more than 13 years in the U.S. Army. On August 21, 2019, he was one of two Green Berets killed as a result of small arms fire in Faryab Province.
Luis was on his sixth overseas deployment. He also deployed as an infantryman to Iraq in 2008, and Afghanistan in 2010. In 2014, Luis completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a special forces communications sergeant, then as a special forces operations and intelligence sergeant. He deployed to South America in 2015 and 2018, and to Afghanistan in 2018 and 2019 as a Green Beret.
Awards and decorations received by Deleon-Figueroa:
Bronze Star Medal
Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Commendation Medal (2OLC) and Achievement Medal (3OLC)
Army Good Conduct Medal with four Knot Device
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars
Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “3”
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral “3”
NATO Medal
Special Forces Tab
Ranger Tab
Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge
Parachutist Badge
Air Assault Badge
Master Sgt. DeLeon-Figueroa Loved His Family
Master Sgt. Luis DeLeon-Figueroa’s funeral service was held at Bethany Assembly of God Church. He was laid to rest at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
At the service, his 9-year-old daughter read a letter that said “Dear Papi, thank you for being a great hero and a great daddy. Thank you for defending our country and for always loving me.”
The Special Forces Foundation
The Special Forces Foundation (formerly the Green Beret Association) is a non-profit organization serving U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and their families. They have programs dedicated to providing acute and ongoing support in resolving psychological, emotional and relationship issues before they become chronic. During times of tragedy, the Special Forces Foundation provides immediate support to the soldiers family with the goal of maintaining long term support to those left behind. The Special Forces Foundation also assists with the transition from military to civilian life. They provide career counseling, professional network support, and mentorship.
$5,000 Homes for Heroes Foundation Grant
The Homes for Heroes Foundation grant of $5,000 was awarded to the Special Forces Foundation for Luis Deleon-Figueroa’s fiancee and their daughter. The $5,000 grant will assist with their mortgage payments in the wake of their loss.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation mission is to help heroes and their families in dire need as it pertains to housing and emergency financial assistance. The foundation partners with national and local nonprofit charities, like the Special Forces Foundation, who prioritize helping heroes and their families.
It is an honor to support the family of a man who was committed to the service of his country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
