Soldier found dead in at Columbia’s Fort Jackson is identified by US Army
A soldier was found dead at Fort Jackson in Columbia last Thursday.
On Monday, the U.S. Army publicly identified Sgt. 1st Class Joshua A. Alfieri as the soldier who died.
There was no word on the cause of death for Alfieri, who was a soldier with 120th Adjutant General Battalion.
Fort Jackson emergency personnel responded to an on-post housing unit Thursday after receiving a 911 call, according to the Army. Emergency responders found Alfieri, who was unresponsive, Army officials said.
“Our deepest sympathies are with everyone affected by today’s loss,” Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson’s commanding general, said Friday in a statement.
If someone you know is struggling with relationships, financial challenges, or the belief that tomorrow cannot be better, please encourage them to seek help, the Army said.
Fort Jackson officials said they’re continuing to provide support to the family and teammates of Alfieri.
“Losing a teammate is never easy,” Kelly said Monday. “It’s tough on us all because we place so much emphasis on team cohesion and taking care of each other”.
Soldiers, veterans, and family members who need help can call the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line at 988, chat at veteranscrisisline.net or text to 838255.
The Army said that Alfieri’s awards and decorations include the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Army Commendation Medal (two times), Army Achievement Medal (three times), Army Good Conduct Medal (four times), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (three times), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (two times), Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Overseas Service Bar.
Alfieri is the second person to die at Fort Jackson in less than a month.
In late February, 2nd Lt. Pascal Buma, 38, a chaplain-in-training at the fort, collapsed during a physical training run and later died at MUSC Health. Buma had been a student at Fort Jackson’s Institute for Religious Leadership, according to the release.
At least three members of the Army based at Fort Jackson died in 2023.
In June, Army Sgt. Jaime Contreras died during a training exercise at Fort Jackson.
In December, two drill sergeants were found dead at Fort Jackson in little more than a week-long span.
On Dec. 8, Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram, a 34-year-old with 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment was discovered shortly after he failed to report for work, according to the Army.
The body of Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, a 30-year-old with the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, was discovered Dec. 16, Army officials said.
There was no information connecting the deaths of the drill sergeants at Fort Jackson.
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This story was originally published March 22, 2024 at 8:46 AM.
