Tennessee Soldier succumbs to Combat Injuries

Specialist Jason Edens is killed in action in Afghanistan

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder respectfully announce the loss of Tennessee soldier, Specialist Jason K. Edens of Franklin, TN.

Edens died on April 26th, in Bethesda, Maryland from wounds he sustained during an enemy attack on his unit in Laghman province in Afghanistan on April 15th. The 22-year old Williamson County native was an Infantryman assigned to 1st Squadron, 13th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

“The state of Tennessee joins the Edens family in mourning the loss of Jason,” Haslam said.  “We also offer our condolences to all who knew Jason, grew up with him in Franklin and served with him in the United States Army.”

Edens graduated from Franklin High School in 2007 and enlisted in the Army in January 2009.

Edens is survived by his wife Ashley Edens of Elizabethton, his mother Janet Crane of Phoenix City, Alabama and his father James Edens of Franklin.

“He was a hero,” Ashley Edens said while describing her husband.

“Our sympathy goes out to the family of Specialist Jason Edens as they mourn during this difficult time of loss,” Grinder said.  “I join Tennesseans in remembering the ultimate sacrifice of Specialist Edens and we are committed to honor our fallen Tennessee heroes.”

Edens will posthumously receive the Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal during a private service.  Arrangements are pending; however, the Edens family expressed a desire for privacy for Spc. Edens’ funeral and burial.

Spc. Edens previously received the Purple Heart, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge.