A U.S. Army soldier stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) was found dead in his home in Wasilla, Alaska on April 3.
Sgt. Cody Lee Randall, a 28-year-old satellite communications systems operator/maintainer, died at his home, according to a U.S. Army statement provided to American Military News on Monday.
Randall’s death is currently under investigation by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, but is said to be unrelated to COVID-19.
Randall was assigned to C Company, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion at JBER. He had joined the Army in March 2013, and had been stationed in Alaska since January 2018.
“We are devastated by the loss of Sergeant Cody Randall,” said Lt. Col. William Cherkauskas, commander of the 307th ESB. “Sergeant Randall proudly served with distinction as a Tactical Satellite System Team Chief in C Co, 307th ESB. Cody was an intelligent, charismatic and reliable leader to all who knew him and was a master of his craft. We express our deepest condolences to his family.”
Randall had received the Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Randall’s death was announced just hours after the death of a U.S. Army paratrooper — also based at JBER — was announced.
Spc. Milik Jaquez Craig, a 20-year-old infantryman, was found by another soldier on Thursday, April 2 in his barracks at JBER, according to a U.S. Army statement provided to American Military News on Monday.
Craig’s death is also under investigation by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Craig had joined the Army two years ago in March 2018. He was initially stationed at Fort Benning, Ga before his transfer to Alaska in August 2018. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment.
“Milik Craig was an amazing paratrooper, teammate, and friend to all Geronimos,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Myer, 1-501st commander. “His personal leadership, commitment, and hard work will be sorely missed by us all.”
Craig had received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Parachutist Badge.
Last month, JBER declared an emergency after seven individuals on base tested positive for coronavirus.
“There is evidence that several individuals picked it up locally in a community transfer,” installation commander Col. Patricia Csank said at the time. “Because of that, the change in transmission, I’ve declared the public health emergency.”
Craig’s death follows one month after another paratrooper was found dead in his barracks at JBER.
Spc. Jason Alexander Thomas, 23, was found unresponsive in his barracks room on March 7. He was transported to a base hospital and later pronounced dead.
Thomas was assigned to the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment.
