New Jersey Soldier Who Served in Iraq, Afghanistan Found Dead in Barracks

A 28-year-old soldier from New Jersey who served in Iraq and Afghanistan was found dead in his barracks at Fort Hood earlier this week, the army base said.
 
Sgt. Gene Robert Brandes Jr., of Oak Ridge, was found unresponsive in his room Tuesday. His death is under investigation.
 
Brandes enlisted in the military in August 2006. He was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2007 to November 2008 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from April 2010 to March 2011.
 
Brandes has been assigned to 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Hood, since April.

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His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, an Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a  Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon and a NATO Medal.
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