Armando Avalos Jr., the son of Anita and Armando Avalos Sr. of Stockton, CA, graduated from Model Alternative High School in Stockton.
Armando enlisted in the U.S. Army and on 3 October 2009 was serving as a Sergeant with Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On that day, then-SGT Avalos' actions in the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, helped prevent it from falling into the hands of a Taliban force of more than 400 fighters.
Medals, Awards and Badges
Army Commendation Medal (5 Awards)
Army Good Conduct Medal (3 Awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon (4 Awards)
NATO Medal
Valorous Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Combat Action Badge
