Fort Hood Army Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Erbil, Iraq (March 30, 2020)

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Administrator

Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty, U.S. Army

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty, 44, from Bowie, Maryland, died March 30, 2020 in Erbil, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. Hilty was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty entered the Army in April 1999 as an Army combat engineer. His most recent military occupational specialty was petroleum supply specialist. Hilty’s deployments include three tours to Afghanistan from January 2009 to December 2009, January 2012 to December 2012, October 2016 to October 2017 and most recently to Iraq in October 2019.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty (April 1, 2020)

Death of a Fort Hood Soldier | John Hilty (April 1, 2020)

Related Links:
DOD Identifies Army Casualty (April 1, 2020)
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier | John Hilty
Fort Hood: Soldier dies in Iraq
Fort Hood soldier dies in Iraq
Fort Hood soldier dies in Iraq
Soldier from Bowie dies in Iraq
Fort Hood: Soldier dies in Iraq
Fort Hood soldier killed Monday is identified
Bowie Man Dies Serving With US Army In Iraq
Non-Combat, Non-CoVid Death of Soldier in Erbil, Iraq
Army soldier dies in Iraq, identified as Maryland native
Pentagon IDs Soldier Who Died During Iraq Deployment
DoD identifies soldier killed in non-combat incident in Iraq
Pentagon IDs Soldier Who Died During Iraq Deployment
Army sgt. 1st class who died in non-combat incident identified
Fort Hood soldier dies in non-combat related incident in Iraq
‘He was an exceptional leader’ | Soldier from Bowie, Md. dies in Iraq
Fort Hood-based soldier’s death is seventh for coalition in Iraq this year
Bowie resident dies in Iraq supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, incident was not combat-related
Gold Star Father Talks Of Isolation On Memorial Day During Pandemic
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Unsolved Homicide: Fort Hood Army Spc. Shelby Jones Died of Gunshot Wound at Mickey’s Convenience Store in Killeen, Texas; Shot at Nearby Night Club (March 1, 2020)

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Administrator

Spc. Shelby Jones, U.S. Army

Fort Hood Army Spc. Shelby Tyler Jones, 20, was shot at a night club near the post and discovered dead about a half a mile away at Mickey’s Convenience Store in Killeen, Texas in the early morning hours of March 1, 2020. According to a press release issued by the Killeen Police Department, officers immediately began performing life-saving measures while they waited for emergency medical services to arrive. Shelby Jones succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters. Peters ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, Texas. During the Killeen PD investigation, they determined the shooting happened about 40 minutes earlier at Club Dreams. Police are still searching for the shooter, but they said they are investigating Jones’ death as a homicide.

Shelby Jones served in the U.S. Army for almost three years. He and his wife resided in Temple, Texas, while he served at nearby Ft. Hood. He is survived by his wife, parents, and two siblings. According to a Fort Hood press release, Spc. Jones is from Jena, Louisiana and entered the Army after high school in May 2017 as a cavalry scout. He joined Fort Hood’s 3rd Cavalry Regiment in August 2018 and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. Homicide detectives determined that Jones was shot at Club Dreams on S. Fort Hood Street and are asking anyone who was at the club that night and may have seen anything or have information to contact Detective Uvalle at 254-501-8854 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477).

“We are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this murder, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com. You can also download the P3Tips App for IOS or Android and give an anonymous tip. All information is confidential and anonymous and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.” –Killeen PD Press Release

Press Releases:

Killeen Police Department Press Release for Shelby Jones (March 1, 2020)

Fort Hood Press Release for Death of Shelby Tyler Jones (screenshot of press release because Fort Hood will delete this)

Related Links:
Obituary: Shelby Jones
Killeen Police Investigate a Murder
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier – Fort Hood Press Center
KPD investigating early morning homicide
20-Year-Old Dead in Killeen Shooting
20-Year-Old Dead in Killeen Shooting
Killeen homicide stemmed from shooting at nightclub
Killeen Man Gunned Down at Convenience Store on S. Ft. Hood Road
Fort Hood soldier killed at a Texas strip club
Fort Hood soldier shot at Killeen strip club, later died
Brave Rifles soldier was shot at strip club before his death
Recent homicide victim was Army soldier, Fort Hood officials say
Recent homicide victim was Army soldier, Fort Hood officials say
Killeen: Man found dead at convenience store was shot at strip club
Recent homicide victim was Army soldier, Fort Hood officials say
Recent homicide victim was Army soldier, Fort Hood officials say
Man shot to death at night club in Killeen found at convenience store, police looking for suspect
Fort Hood soldier one of three victims found shot dead at Texas apartment
Killeen police investigating shooting death in southwest Killeen
Killeen Police seek information following deadly shooting
KPD Homicide Unit Seeks Your Help with Murder Investigation
Fort Hood Soldier’s murder brings unsolved cases to light
Fort Hood soldier’s murder brings unsolved cases to forefront
The Murder of Vanessa Guillen and the Unsolved Homicides of Fort Hood
What Is Happening At Fort Hood? – Missing People In America
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Army Reservist Sgt. Christina Shoenecker Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Baghdad, Iraq (February 19, 2018)

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Administrator

Sgt. Christina Schoenecker, U.S. Army Reserve

Army Reservist Sgt. Christina Schoenecker, 26, died of a non-combat related incident on February 19, 2018 in Baghdad, Iraq. Sgt. Schoenecker was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 89th Sustainment Brigade, 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Wichita, Kansas. Sgt. Schoenecker’s home of record is listed as Arlington, Kansas. According to Honor the Fallen at Military Times, Sgt. Schoenecker enlisted in the military in May 2009 and served as a human resources specialist. At the time of the press release, the incident was under investigation which is typical with any non combat death but an official cause of death has not been determined or publicized by authorities. The site Popular Military shared that a source close to them in Iraq in an unofficial report believed it was a suicide. This could not be confirmed in other media reports.

In the News:

The body of U.S. Army Sergeant Christina Marie Schoenecker is escorted from the Hutchinson Airport to Elliot Mortuary by the Patriot Guard, Hutchinson Police and the Hutchinson Fire Departments. SGT Schoenecker died February 19, 2018, from a non-combat related incident, in Baghdad, Iraq at the age of 26. She will be buried in her hometown of Arlington, Kansas, Monday, March 5, 2018. -The Hutchinson News (March 2, 2018)

U.S. Army Sergeant Christina Marie Schoenecker was buried at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Kansas on Monday, March 5, 2018. SGT Schoenecker died February 19, 2018, from a non-combat related incident, in Baghdad, Iraq at the age of 26. -The Hutchinson News (March 5, 2018)

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Honor the Fallen: Sgt. Christina M. Schoenecker, U.S. Army Reserve
Christina Marie “Tina” Schoenecker | 1992 – 2018 | Obituary
Kansas soldier dies in Iraq
Kansas soldier dies in non-combat incident in Iraq
Female soldier dies in accident in Iraq
US soldier dies in non-combat incident in Baghdad
SGT Schoenecker’s body returns home
Army Sgt. Christina M. Schoenecker honored in dignified transfer Feb. 22
Army identifies soldier killed in noncombat incident in Baghdad
Army Identifies Sergeant Who Died While Deployed Supporting ISIS Fight
Kansas soldier dies in non-combat incident while supporting ISIS fight in Iraq
U.S. Army sergeant dies in Iraq, unofficial report suggests it was suicide
Mystery surrounds ‘non combat’ death of female soldier battling ISIS in Iraq as her body is returned home and Department of Defence announce an investigation
IGTNT: “She will be sorely missed” | Daily Kos
Funeral held for KS soldier who died last month in Iraq
Family and friends celebrate the life of Christina Schoenecker
Family, friends gather to honor fallen Arlington soldier
SGT Christina Marie Schoenecker’s burial service
Latest U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan, Iraq
On Memorial Day: Three stories to remember the soldiers we have lost
CJTF-OIR reflects on significant military gains, fighting ISIS in 2018
Non Combat Deaths of Female Service Members in the U.S. Military (Iraq)
Military Policy and Legislation Considerations for the Investigations of Non Combat Death, Homicide, and Suicide of US Service Members

Fort Bragg Army Soldiers Spc. Allen Stigler, Jr. and Sgt. Roshain Brooks Died of Wounds Sustained While Engaged in Combat Operations in Iraq (August 13, 2017)

Posted on August 13, 2017 by Administrator

Spc. Allen Stigler, Jr., US Army and Sgt. Roshain Brooks, US Army

Army soldiers Spc. Allen Stigler, Jr. and Sgt. Roshain Brooks died of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations on August 13, 2017 in northern Iraq. An Army artillery unit was firing on an Islamic State position when a “mishap” occurred but it was not listed as enemy fire. Five others suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Spc. Stigler and Sgt. Brooks were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The incident is under investigation.

An artillery round meant to be fired at an Islamic State target in northern Iraq on Sunday exploded prematurely killing two American soldiers, defense officials said. –Stars and Stripes

Related Links:
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
Pentagon cites artillery “mishap” in 2 US deaths in Iraq
2 US soldiers in Iraq were killed by artillery mishap
Artillery accident kills two US soldiers in Iraq
Pentagon cites artillery “mishap” in 2 US deaths in Iraq
Artillery mishap killed two US soldiers in Iraq
U.S. soldiers in Iraq were killed by artillery ‘mishap’: Pentagon
Two US soldiers killed in ‘mishap’ while firing artillery at ISIS in Iraq
Artillery Mishap Killed Two US Soldiers in Iraq
Violent Crime, Non Combat Death & Suicide at Fort Bragg, North Carolina

West Virginia Air National Guardsman TSgt. David Board Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Kuwait (August 2, 2017)

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Administrator

TSgt. David Board, West Virginia Air National Guard

Air Force TSgt. David Board, 49, died in a non combat related incident on August 2, 2017 in Kuwait. TSgt. Board was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 130th Airlift Wing at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in West Virginia.

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Pentagon identifies Air Guardsman who died in Kuwait
Airman Who Died in Kuwait in Non-Combat Incident Identified
WV Guard airman from Barboursville dies in Kuwait
West Virginia Air National Guard Airman Dies in Kuwait
Airman killed in Kuwait incident identified
US airman casualty in Kuwait identified as Tech. Sgt. David Board
National Guardsman from Barboursville who died in Middle East remembered fondly

Army Sgt. Jonathon Hunter and Spc. Christopher Harris Died After a Vehicle-Borne IED Detonated Near Their Convoy in Afghanistan (August 2, 2017)

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Administrator

Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, US Army, and Spc. Christopher Harris, US Army

Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, 23, and Spc. Christopher Harris, 25, died as a result of injuries sustained when a vehicle-borne improved explosive device (IED) detonated near their convoy on August 2, 2017 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Sgt. Hunter and Spc. Harris were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. According the the Department of Defense press release the incident is under investigation.

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
Two members of 82nd Airborne killed in Afghanistan
Military identifies Fort Bragg soldiers killed in Afghanistan suicide bomb attack
Columbus, Ind., soldier among 2 killed in Afghanistan attack
Specialist Christopher Harris: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
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Peterson Air Force Base Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren Died of a Non Combat Death in Syria; Suspected Natural Causes, USAF Would Not Elaborate (March 28, 2017)

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Administrator

Photo: Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren (Obituary)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a security forces airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, of Umatilla, Oregon, died March 28 in northern Syria in a non-combat-related incident while deployed in support of combat operations. He was assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AP said in a statement from the base, Bieren died from “suspected natural causes.” Wing commander Col. Douglas Schiess says Bieren was “a beloved member of the team and will be sorely missed.” Bieren graduated from Umatilla High School in 2010 and entered the Air Force that November. He had been stationed at Peterson since June 2014.

According to the Burns Mortuary of Hermiston obituary, Austin Leo Bieren, 25, “was born on January 7, 1992 in Pendleton, Oregon to John Timothy Bieren and Tracy Ann (Gibson) Finck. Austin loved to hunt, fish, and hunt some more. He enjoyed anything and everything outdoors, the true definition of a mountain man. He avidly worked out and did everything to stay healthy and active. After basic training, he married his wife, Rachel (Kennedy) Bieren, and they both moved to Minot, North Dakota and were there for three years, and then moved to Colorado Springs where Austin worked at Peterson AFB. He was deployed three times.”

Notable Quotes:

“The Air Force did not elaborate on Bieren’s cause of death.” –Denver Post (March 30, 2017)

“It’s tragic that we lost that young man in kind of a strange way for a 25-year-old, but nonetheless space is embedded in everything we do. So anywhere you have American military people, you’re going to have space.” (Air Force Gen. John Hyten) –Fox News (March 31, 2017)

Col. Doug Schiess, 21st Space Wing commander mentioned Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, a member of the 21st SW who died while serving in Syria. “We brought him home to his family, took care of his family and still are.” –21st Space Wing, USAF (June 21, 2017)

Peterson AFB deleted the press release. Here’s the original tweet.

Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren dignified transfer (DVIDS)

This Incident is Under Investigation by Amanda Robertson

Honoring Staff Sgt. Bieren’s Memory (Peterson AFB, CO)

Related Links:
Obituary: Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren | Military Times
Umatilla airman dies in Syria
DOD Identifies Airman Who Died in Syria
DoD identifies airman who died in non-combat incident in Syria
Airman from Oregon Dies in Non-Combat Incident in Syria
Airman from Oregon dies in non-combat incident in Syria
Airman from Oregon dies in non-combat incident in Syria
U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from Oregon dies in Syria
U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from Oregon dies in Syria
U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from Oregon dies in Syria
Airman’s Death in Syria Highlights Role of Space Command Downrange
Peterson Air Force Base airman died of “suspected natural causes” while deployed in northern Syria
Peterson Airman dies of suspected natural causes while deployed in Syria
Peterson airman, 25, dies of natural causes while serving in Syria
U.S. Air Force staff sergeant dies of ‘natural causes’ in Syria
Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren dignified transfer
Memories of fallen airman Bieren shared at service
Gov. Brown orders flags flown at half-staff to honor Oregon native killed in Syria
Flags at half-staff for Syria casualty from Oregon
Honoring Staff Sgt. Bieren’s memory
One last time: Col. Schiess presents final Commander’s Call
Anniversary of Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren’s passing
Inside America’s Secret War with ISIS
The Incident is Under Investigation
The state of US military involvement in Syria as Trump orders withdrawal
What you need to know about US military involvement in Syria as Trump orders withdrawal
Trump offers condolences to families of American service members killed in Syria blast
A look at deaths of US troops in Syria
A look at deaths of US troops in Syria
CJTF-OIR reflects on significant military gains, fighting ISIS in 2018
Department of Defense Casualty Status (March 22, 2021)
DoD Instruction: Criminal Investigations of Noncombat Deaths
State of Oregon: Oregon’s Most Honorable

One last time: Col. Schiess presents final Commander’s Call

Anniversary of Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren’s passing (Peterson AFB, CO)

Fort Hood Army Pfc. Brian Odiorne Died from a Non-Combat Related Incident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq; CID Ruled Death Suicide (February 20, 2017)

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Administrator

Pfc. Brian Odiorne, US Army

Army Pfc. Brian Odiorne, 21, died from a non-combat related incident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq on February 20, 2017. Pfc. Odiorne’s home of record is listed as Ware, Massachusetts and he joined the Army in October 2015. Pfc. Odiorne was a cannon crewmember supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. After an investigation was concluded, the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) ruled the death a suicide.

Related Links:
Pfc. Brian P. Odiorne
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Obituary: Pfc. Brian P. Odiorne
Fort Hood soldier dies in Iraq
Fort Hood Soldier from Massachusetts Dies in Iraq
Fort Hood soldier from Massachusetts dies in Iraq
Soldier who died in noncombat incident in Iraq identified
Pfc. Brian Odiorne, a Ware native, dies in Iraq
Brian Odiorne, soldier from Ware, dies in Iraq
Ware, Mass. Soldier Dies In Iraq In ‘Non-Combat’ Incident
Baker to family of Ware soldier: “I’m calling you as a dad”
Family, friends mourn death in Iraq of Army Pfc. Brian Odiorne of Ware
Ware selectmen request moment of silence to honor Army Pfc. Brian Odiorne, who died in Iraq
Body of PFC Brian Odiorne returned to western Massachusetts
Bishop Rozanski delivers homily at funeral of Brian Odiorne
US Army Pfc. Brian Patrick Odiorne laid to rest in Ware
Army Investigating After Soldier From Ware Dies In Iraq
Death of Mass. soldier in Iraq under investigation
Why are flags lowered today? March 4, 2017
Fort Hood soldier’s death in Iraq ruled a suicide
Why Have So Many Fort Hood Army Soldiers Died Stateside in the Last Year?
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas

Army Specialist Ronald Murray Jr. Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Kuwait Supporting Operation Inherent Resolve (2016)

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Administrator

Specialist Ronald Murray, Jr., US Army

Army Specialist Ronald Murray, Jr., 23, died of a non combat related injury in Kuwait on November 10, 2016. Specialist Murray was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, Texas. Specialist Murray worked in fire support and died in a vehicle accident. He is from Bowie, Maryland and joined the Army in January 2015.

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Soldier from Bowie killed in Kuwait
Soldier stationed at Fort Bliss dies in Kuwait
Soldier From Bowie, Maryland, Dies in Kuwait
Fort Bliss soldier dies in Kuwait
Fort Bliss soldier dies in Kuwait in noncombat incident

Army Warrant Officer Travis Tamayo Died of a Non Combat Related Incident in United Arab Emirates (2016)

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Administrator

Warrant Officer Travis Tamayo, US Army

Army Warrant Officer Travis Tamayo died of a non combat related incident in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on September 16, 2016. WO Tamayo was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion in Fort Gordon, Georgia. According to the Department of Defense press release, the incident is under investigation.

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Deployed Fort Gordon soldier dies in UAE
Army Officer from Brownsville Killed Overseas
Brownsville native, proud military member dies at age 32
DoD: Soldier dies in non-combat related incident in UAE
Department of Defense investigating death of deployed Ft. Gordon soldier
Death of deployed Fort Gordon soldier under investigation
U.S. Army intelligence soldier supporting OIR dies in United Arab Emirates
US Anti-Daesh Operation Serviceman Dies in UAE in Non-Combat-Related Incident

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Tag Archives: Operation Inherent Resolve

Unsolved Homicide: Fort Hood Army Spc. Shelby Jones Died of Gunshot Wound at Mickey’s Convenience Store in Killeen, Texas; Shot at Nearby Night Club (March 1, 2020)

Fort Bragg Army Soldiers Spc. Allen Stigler, Jr. and Sgt. Roshain Brooks Died of Wounds Sustained While Engaged in Combat Operations in Iraq (August 13, 2017)

Army Sgt. Jonathon Hunter and Spc. Christopher Harris Died After a Vehicle-Borne IED Detonated Near Their Convoy in Afghanistan (August 2, 2017)