I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and in Operation Inherent Resolve. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Octave Shield.
Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Conrad, 26, of Chandler, Arizona, died June 8, in Somalia of injuries sustained from enemy indirect fire. The incident is under investigation.
Conrad was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. When he was killed, he was participating in a multi-day mission that included some 800 Somali and Kenyan troops. Four other U.S. service members were wounded.
SSG Conrad was born in Mesa, Arizona in 1992. He joined the Army in June 2010. After his initial training at basic training and advanced individual training he was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington where he served as a Human Intelligence Collector.
While at JBLM he deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; the first tour from 2012-2013 and the second in 2014. He belonged to the same Green Beret unit that lost four service members during the October 2017 ambush in Niger.
During his military career, SSG Alexander Conrad completed several military courses, including Basic and Advanced Leader Courses, U.S. Army Airborne School, French Basic Language Course, and Combatives and Surveillance Detection courses.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Unit Commendation (second award), the Army Commendation Medal (third award), the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (second award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Sunday that all flags at state buildings would be lowered to half-staff in honor of Conrad. He said they will also be lowered the day of Conrad's funeral, which has not been scheduled. He said:
“The prayers and hearts of all of Arizona are with the family and loved ones of Staff Sergeant Conrad. He made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country, and we are forever grateful."
Jon Chagoya, a friend of SSG Conrad, said on Facebook:
Alex was, and is, my friend. Right around this time last year we were enjoying beer festivals in Bavaria and symphony orchestra concerts in Prague. Less than 5 months ago, we slapped hands as I left Africa and he arrived. And now I am in Germany again, and my friend does not get to come back. I grieve for my friend, and I feel for his family, especially his parents - nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of your child. Nothing I can say or do will ease the hurt and sorrow they, and all of Alex's family and friends, feel right now and will feel for quite awhile. All I can say is Alex Conrad was a good man and a good friend. I will miss you terribly, Alex. Please say hello to AJ.
Rest in peace, Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Conrad, you have served with honor and will be greatly missed.
Links:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alexander-conrad-staff-sergeant-killed-somalia/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6a&linkId=52828982
About The IGTNT Series
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, JaxDem, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, Ekaterin. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.