The Department of Defense announced

today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Brandon E. Maggart, 24, of Kirksville, Mo., died August 22 at

Basrah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit

using indirect fire.  He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air

Defense Artillery Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

According to unit records, Maggart enlisted June 8, 2006 and reported to

Fort Bliss, Texas, for basic training and advanced training in his

military occupational specialty, 14S - Avenger crewmember. He reported

to Fort Lewis, Wash., (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) on November 9,

2006, and was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery

Regiment. The battalion was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation

Iraqi Freedom in January 2010. This was his second deployment with the

unit to Iraq. He previously deployed from March 2007 to May 2008.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army

Achievement Medal (2 awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense

Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism

Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon,

and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

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. Maggart.