Paratrooper in Alaska found dead in his barracks room

RIP

A 20-year-old paratrooper was found dead in his barracks room at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, by a fellow soldier on Thursday night.

  • Spc. Milik Jaquez Craig, from Columbia, South Carolina, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, according to a report from Army Times.
  • “Milik Craig was an amazing paratrooper, teammate, and friend to all Geronimos,” Lt. Col. Matthew Myer, commander of the 1st Battalion, said in a statement per Army Times. “His personal leadership, commitment, and hard work will be sorely missed by us all.” 
  • Craig joined the Army in March 2018, and arrived in Alaska in August 2018. His awards include the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal.
  • His death is currently being investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division. 
 

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Haley Britzky

Former Army Reporter

Haley Britzky was the Task & Purpose Army reporter from 2019 to 2022. She previously worked at Axios covering breaking news. She reports on important developments within the service, from new uniforms to new policies; the realities of military life facing soldiers and their families; and broader cultural issues that expand outside of the Army, touching each of the military services.Â