Loss of a Ranger: Saw Lar Ma Kyun

8 October 2025

Karen State, Burma

Please join us in honoring the life and sacrifice of our fallen Ranger Saw Lar Ma Kyun. On Aug. 20, 2025, he was hit in the chin and neck by Burma Army mortar fire and died instantly.

Saw Lar Ma Kyun is of Karen ethnicity, born in Kwee Lay Village, Bilin Township, Thaton District. He was the youngest of four siblings, but took care of everyone like an older brother. He joined FBR, finishing basic Ranger training in 2018. He took on the security role so he could take care of and protect his teammates. Tragically, during a mission, the Burma military launched an attack on the area where he and his team were stationed. He responded by defending their position, protecting his teammates until a 120mm mortar killed him. Dave Eubank said about him:

“Saw Lar Ma Kyun was one of the most motivated Rangers in his class. When he was still a small boy, I remember walking down into his area and visiting his village of Kwee Lay in Thaton District, central Karen State. I did not know him personally then, but he remembered us. As a child being assisted by FBR teams, he grew up wanting to become a Ranger himself. In 2017, he joined and impressed us with his initiative, physical strength, and helpfulness in the training course. This was during a time when I was only at the training for a few weeks, as I was needed at the ongoing battle of Mosul. Even in that short time he made an impression on me and everyone there. And then on his very first mission, my wife Karen and our kids got to work with him. They hosted a Good Life Club program together to encourage displaced families in Karen State. After this, he continued serving as a relief team worker for some time, but was eventually called back to help defend his area from attack by the Burma Army. We were very sad to hear he was killed by a 120mm mortar. He died helping others, and we honor his memory and will do our best to help his family.”

He leaves behind a wife, child, and his parents who he took care of even with his own new family to look after. Please pray for his family and loved ones, that they may find peace, strength, and guidance during this difficult time.

Thanks and God bless you,

The Free Burma Rangers