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@OregonGuard
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Joint Guardian.
Oregon Army National Guard Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, 20, from Willamina, Oregon, died as the result of a non-combat related incident, July 4, 2020, at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. The incident is under investigation.
Pfc. Klass was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, Springfield, Oregon.
Klass joined the Oregon Army National Guard on Jan. 19, 2019 as an Infantryman. He mobilized in January of 2020 and was scheduled to return home from Kosovo in November.
“This is a tragic situation and our primary focus is supporting the family during this difficult time," said Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, Land Component Commander, Oregon Army National Guard.
The family has requested a period of privacy for healing and reflection. We ask that the community respects the family’s wishes at this time.
For more information regarding Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, media may contact Maj. Stephen S. Bomar, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs at omar.mil@mail.mil">stephen.s.bomar.mil@mail.mil; agpa@mil.state.or.us, or at (503) 584-3885.
Attached Photo: Pfc. Alexander B. Klass
Defenses.gov Newsroom Release:
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2261512/dod-identifies-army-casualty/
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SALEM, Ore. - Soldiers from the Oregon National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment are due to arrive home from deployment on July 4, after serving in Jordan.
The 38 Oregon Soldiers returning home are members of the Scout platoon, Headquarters Company 2-162 Infantry and the 2-218 Field Artillery Fire Support Section.
The Soldiers were part of the Jordanian Operational Engagement Program, deploying in various rotations from September 2019 to July of 2020. The Soldiers trained with the Jordanian Security Forces and Armed Forces, completing essential Soldier tasks such as basic rifle marksmanship, crew serves weapons and medical proficiency skills at the platoon and squadron level.
The Oregon Guardsmen had just come from Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas, where they were quarantined for 14 days, in accordance with COVID-19 federal guidelines, which included additional medical screening and current procedures as they return home to Oregon.
For media inquires and additional information regarding family homecomings with Soldiers returning; please contact Capt. Jessica Clarke at 503-584-3917.
The Oregon Guardsmen from the 2-162 and 2-218 deployed with members of the 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment from the Washington Army National Guard, who started returning home on July 2nd.
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