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Henagar soldier dies in Iraq

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published December 22, 2008

Military officials said Monday a Henagar soldier serving in Iraq died Saturday.

The Defense Department said 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Jonathan W. Dean, of Henagar, died of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident in Tikrit, Iraq.

He was assigned to the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, an Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

“Typically investigations take from 6-12 weeks,” said Fort Campbell Public Information Officer Kelly Tyler. “The details of investigations are not discussed until they are complete.”

Family members said Dean is survived by his wife, Staff Sgt. Anne M. Dore, currently deployed to Iraq; son, Tyler Dean, 3, of Valley Head; father and stepmother, David and Pam Dean, of Valley Head; and mother, Delaine Dean, of Henagar.

Family members said Anne and Jonathan were married on Dec. 6 in Mentone. The couple was stationed together in Iraq.

He was a 2001 graduate of Valley Head School. DeKalb County schools assistant superintendent Gary Talley was principal at the time.

“Jonathan was a great kid,” Talley said. “He was the type of kid you wanted to have in school. He seemed to love Valley Head and was involved in many things going on at the school. He has a great family that was very involved as well.”

Dean entered the Army in September 2004 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2005. His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign with combat service; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicles and Weapons Qualification: M4-rifle, expert.

Family members said Monday funeral arrangements are not complete. Valley Head School Principal Bill Monroe said the family plans to use the school’s gym for a memorial service. Memorial services in Iraq and at Fort Campbell on Jan. 14 are also planned.

– The Associated Press contributed to this report

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