UPDATE: Fort Riley Soldier Killed

FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) – Authorities say a 30-year-old soldier from Fort Riley has died in a vehicle accident in Iraq.

Fort Riley said in a release Friday that Sergeant Joseph F. Stifter of Glendale, California died Thursday. Stifter was a field artillery cannon crewmember.

The Defense Department said Stifter died from injuries suffered when his armored vehicle was involved in an accident. The department says the incident is under investigation.

Stifter joined the Army in May 2011 and arrived at Fort Riley in January 2012. He was deployed to Iraq in October.

Fort Riley says his awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals and the National Defense Service Medal.

Stifter is survived by his wife, daughter, mother and father.

ORIGINAL:

A Fort Riley Soldier has died in Iraq.

According to the Army, 30-year-old Sgt. Joseph F. Stifter died Thursday, Jan. 28, in Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, of non-combat-related injuries.

Srifter was a field artillery cannon crewmember, assigned to the 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

“Sgt. Stifter was an exceptional Soldier and leader in our battalion,” said Col. Miles Brown, commander of the 2nd ABCT. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the ‘Dagger’ family. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Dagger brigade go to his family and friends during this difficult time. His memory will forever remain with those who served with him.”

Stifter joined the Army in May 2011. He arrived at Fort Riley in January 2012 and deployed with his unit in October to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Stifter’s awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Combat
Action Badge.

Stifter is survived by his wife, daughter, mother and father.