JBLM major found dead

By Stars and Stripes 2017 copyright on November 9, 2018

A 7th Infantry Division soldier was found dead Wednesday in an off-post residence near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., the Army announced Thursday.

Maj. Robert Hockman, 46, originally from Memphis, Tenn., enlisted in 2002 and was eventually commissioned as a field artillery officer, an Army statement said. At the time of his death, Hockman served as a knowledge management officer.

“The Bayonet Division is saddened by this tragic loss of a valued member of our team,” Col. Kyle Marsh, the 7th Infantry Division Chief of Staff, said in the statement. “Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Hockman’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

The circumstances surrounding Hockman’s death are under investigation, the Army said.

bouza.katrina@stripes.com