Originally published May 25, 2012 at 8:53 PM | Page modified May 26, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Corrected version
UW grad dies from Afghan bomb attack
Travis Morgado, a second lieutenant killed this week in Afghanistan, was a graduate of Meadowdale High School and the University of Washington.
Seattle Times staff reporter
STEVE RUARK / AP
An Army team moves a transfer case containing the remains of 2nd Lt. Travis Morgado Thursday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Travis Morgado graduated from Meadowdale High.
Second Lt. Travis Morgado, a 2009 University of Washington graduate who died Wednesday in Afghanistan, joined the Army as a way to give back to his country, said his mother, Andrea Kessler, of Edmonds.
In an interview Friday, Kessler said she didn't want her son in the military and hoped he would find some other way, such as the Peace Corps, to serve the nation.
But Kessler said her son was determined to be a soldier, and wanted to be on the front lines in Afghanistan.
"I don't know why. I don't understand why. Ultimately, we supported his decision and tried to remain positive," Kessler said in a statement released to The Seattle Times.
Morgado arrived in Afghanistan on March 20, a week before his 25th birthday, according to Kessler. He died some two months later from a bomb attack during a patrol.
Wednesday afternoon, two Army officials appeared at Kessler's home with news of her son's death.
"My soul has been ripped to shreds. My wonderful son has been taken from me. Our family is in shock and disbelief," Kessler said in her written statement. "Our neighbors and everyone who knew Travis is devastated."
Kessler said her son was born in Los Gatos, Calif. When he was 5, after his parents divorced, Morgado moved to Edmonds, but continued to spend summers and some holidays in California.
Kessler said her son was an athlete who loved to play basketball and football. He also was a loving big brother and role model for younger siblings.
Morgado graduated from Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood, and then gained a civil-engineering degree from the University of Washington.
Survivors include his mother, Andrea, and stepfather Dean Kessler; his father, Joe Morgado and stepmother Nancy Morgado. He also is survived by two sisters and three brothers.
Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com
Information in this article, originally published May 25, 2012, was corrected May 26, 2012. A previous version of this story's summary incorrectly stated the high school that Travis Morgado attended. He was a graduate of Meadowdale High School, not Lynnwood High School.
