Ducey orders flags to half-staff for Arizona soldier who died overseas
Jan 10, 2018, 9:33 AM
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday to honor an Arizona soldier who died while serving overseas.
Army Spc. Robert W. Jones, of Vail, died Saturday. He was stationed at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo.
The Army said his death was under investigation.
“Our state’s deepest condolences, prayers and sympathies are with Specialist Jones’s family and loved ones,” Ducey said.
“We mourn the loss of this brave young soldier at just 21 years old, serving in the NATO force in Kosovo. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice in defense of America and our freedoms.”
The Army said Jones enlisted two years ago and underwent training at bases in Missouri and Texas. He was assigned to the 131st Military Working Dog Detachment, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade.
“Spc. Robert Jones was a remarkable Soldier,” Lt. Col. Jeffrey Searl, 709th Military Police Battalion commander, said in a release. “He volunteered to serve his nation and we mourn his tragic loss. Spc. Jones and his family will always be members of the Warrior Battalion.”
During his time in the service, Jones was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal (Kosovo) and German Marksmanship Badge.
