Community Corner

UPDATE: Two JBLM Soldiers Die in Afghanistan

They died May 18, in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an indirect fire.

UPDATE: 3:30 p.m., 5/21/12

Joint Base Lewis-McChord released the following information about the two soldiers who died in Afghanistan:

According to the Dept. of Defense, Sgt. Michael J. Knapp, 28, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox, of Auburn, Indiana, died May 18 in Asadabad, Afghanistan. They died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an indirect fire. Both Soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

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“On behalf of the Soldiers and Family members of the 17th Fires Brigade, I express our deepest condolences to the families of Sgt. Michael J. Knapp and Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox,” said Col. Kenneth L. Kamper, 17th Fires Brigade Commander. “Their actions and sacrifices for their unit and mission will always be remembered. They were sons, husbands, fathers and Soldiers who contributed immeasurably to their families, communities, our unit and the nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”

 

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Sgt. Michael J. Knapp

According to unit records, Sgt. Knapp entered military service in October 2003.  He served one overseas deployment to Kosovo from January 2005 through January 2006; and two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, one from December 2006 through January 2008, and one in 2009/10. Sgt. Knapp attended Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13B (Cannon Crew Member) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Sgt. Knapp reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on March 10, 2010. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade. He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in October 2011. This was his first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Knapp’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2001), and Military Occupational Specialty 13B: Cannon Crew Member (2009).

His awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (three awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal L/W M device (two awards), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Mechanic, Marksmanship Qualification Badge – Expert with Field Artillery.

 

Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox

According to unit records, Sgt. Knox entered the Army in January 2009 at Indianapolis, Indiana. He reported to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for initial Army training and then reported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13B (Cannon Crew Member).

Upon completion of AIT Sgt. Knox reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on June 17, 2009, where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade.  He deployed with 1/377 FA Regt. in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2009 through May 2010. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in October 2011. This was his first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Knox’s civilian and military education includes high school diploma (2007), Military Occupational Specialty 13B: Fire Support Specialist (2009), and Warrior Leader Course (2010).

His awards and decorations include Army Achievement medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), Marksmanship Qualification Badge – Expert with Field Artillery.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Knapp and Sgt. Knox.

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(This comes from the Department of Defense)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died May 18, in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an indirect fire. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Killed were:

  • Sgt. Michael J. Knapp, 28, of Overland Park, Kan.
  • Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind.


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