Sgt. Jorge A. Scatliffe, 32, of St. Croix died April 3 while on duty with the U.S. Army in Mosul, Iraq. Scatliffe was serving in support of Operation New Dawn, the official name for the U.S. involvement in Iraq.
His death was announced Tuesday by the Defense Department. According to its website, he died in a noncombat-related incident.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. sent his condolences.
“The pain Jorge’s family, friends and all Virgin Islanders feel right now is no doubt immense. But we are consoled in knowing he died a hero, bravely serving his country and doing what he felt passionate about,” deJongh said.
The governor continued that he and his wife, Cecile, offered their deepest condolences to Scatliffe’s family and all those who knew and loved him.
“In his life, he brought pride to this community, and now the community suffers together the tremendous loss of that life having been cut short,” deJongh said.
Delegate Donna M. Christensen also expressed her condolences.
“My family, staff and I are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to his mother, Ms. Sarah Scatliffe of St. Croix, and his entire circle of family and friends, at this time of sorrow,” Christensen said.
She said that young men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way in service to our country are indeed our greatest heroes.
“Their service and their sacrifice are never to be forgotten or taken lightly. I am sure that the whole community shares the grief of his family at this sad time, but we are also immensely proud of him for the character and bravery that he has shown,” Christensen said.
Scatliffe was assigned to the E Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
According to a news story provided by Fort Hood public affairs office, Scatliffe joined the military in April 1998 as a Bradley fighting vehicle system maintainer. He was assigned to Fort Hood since April 2005. Scatliffe deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from April 2003 to August 2004, from December 2005 to December 2006, and from June 2008 to May 2009.
Scatliffe’s awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge for Mechanics, Driver and Mechanic Badge for Wheel Vehicle Drivers, and Driver and Mechanic Badge for Tracked Vehicle Drivers.