In the Line of Duty

We remember and honor Staff Sergeant Jorge Oliveira, a brave and selfless soldier who gave his
life in service to his country.

On October 19, 2011, while conducting route reconnaissance operations in Yahya Khel, Paktika
Province, Afghanistan, SSG Oliveira was killed by wounds sustained during an attack on his unit
by insurgents using an improvised explosive device. He was just 33 years old.

SSG Oliveira was assigned to the Security Forces Platoon of the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry
Regiment of the New Jersey National Guard, based in Riverdale, NJ. His unit deployed to
Afghanistan in June 2011 as part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team, working to help rebuild
and stabilize communities in a war-torn region.

Before joining the National Guard in 2003, Jorge had served three years of active duty with the
prestigious 101st Airborne Division beginning in 1997. His dedication to public service extended
beyond the military—he was an 11-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department,
where he rose to the rank of Detective and was assigned to the high-risk Fugitive Squad.

Born in Portugal and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey, Jorge lived with his
loving parents, brother, and sister. He was a beloved son, a devoted brother, and a loyal
friend—known for his courage, commitment, and unwavering sense of duty.

SSG Jorge Oliveira served with honor and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Today,
and always, we honor his memory, his service, and his life.
We will never forget.