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 and Afghanistan as well as in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, Operation Joint Guardian and Operation Octave Shield. 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 announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Joint Guardian. 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. Klass was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, Springfield, Oregon. ~ DoD News Release
Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass
Alexander Klass joined the Oregon Army National Guard on Jan. 19, 2019, likely shortly after graduating from high school.
He was an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. This unit is based in Springfield, Oregon.
His unit deployed in January of this year and is scheduled to return to Oregon in November. This was Pfc Klass’ first and only deployment.
Klass died while supporting Operation Joint Guardian, also known as Kosovo Force, or KFOR. The mission is a NATO peacekeeping force in the country that has been active since 1999.
The incident is under investigation, the release added, and no other information was provided. The family has requested a period of privacy.
“This is a tragic situation and our primary focus is supporting the family during this difficult time.” ~ Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, Land Component Commander, Oregon Army National Guard.
A Friend and an Extended Family Member each remembered Klass on their facebook page.
Although there was scant personal information available on Pfc Alexander Blake Klass, I am certain that he was loved by his family and friends and his sweet smile and kind nature will be forever missed in their lives. We all mourn his loss and honor his selfless service to our Nation; we vow to remember him, as we remember all the many others before and after him, for his sacrifice.
Army Times
Fox12Oregon
Oregon Today
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by 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, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts 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.