A paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division died on Sept. 4 in Fayetteville, N.C., as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Sgt. David Eugene Hughes Jr., 32, was an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, according to a division press release. He was from Fresno, California.
Lt. Col. Margaret Stick, commander of the 1-17 said in the release that Hughes was “a beloved member of the Saber Family.”
“The shock of his sudden passing has been felt throughout the formation,” Stick said. “Although only with the formation for a few short months, his professionalism, competence and caring demeanor made him an invaluable member of the team – a true friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.”
Among his service awards and decorations are the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with knot device, and more.