SFC Barreto Memorial Fund

SFC Barreto was a member of my unit who was killed in Kabul by a vehicle-borne improved explosive device during our 2019 deployment to Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. He is left behind by his wife and children. When I qualified for the 2022 Boston Marathon, run on Patriots' Day, it seemed like the perfect occasion to honor this Paratrooper and patriot.  I am running and fundraising in memory of SFC Barreto. All money raised will go directly to his family. It is my humble hope that this fundraiser will serve as a reminder that there is a community of people who remember and miss Elis and will always be here to support his family.

I served with Sergeant First Class Elis Barreto Ortiz as a member of the 2-505 Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, Carolina. He oversaw vehicle maintenance operations for our unit while I “owned” four Humvees- we worked together closely to ensure that the vehicles were properly serviced and maintained. One testament that I can give to SFC Barreto's character is the professionalism and work ethic of the Paratroopers under his charge. I have weirdly fond memories of repairing vehicles very late one Valentine’s Day. One of my trucks was down due to worn-out brake pads, and because that truck was a key piece of equipment for the regiment, we had to fix it before going home. Everyone was tired, and frustrated- it must have been 7pm already, and I'm sure others had dates waiting impatiently. I was there with SFC Barreto and his Paratroopers until 9pm- but the trucks were fully combat-ready by the time we went home. That is the type of leader he was, and the type of example he set for his Soldiers, all the way to the end.

Thank you in advance! No matter how much you are able to give, by simply donating you are demonstrating to the Barreto family the continued love and support of their community.