Somerville, Ohio, soldier dies of noncombat-related illness in Iraq
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) -- An Ohio soldier died in Iraq this week from a noncombat-related illness, the Pentagon said Friday.
Pfc. Adam R. Shepherd, 21, of Somerville, Ohio, about 30 miles north of Cincinnati, died Tuesday in Baghdad.
The Pentagon didn't disclose his illness and said an investigation is continuing.
Shepherd was an infantryman assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
He joined the Army in January 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in June 2003, according to the Army post that straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee line.
Preble County Shawnee school officials said he attended high school there until he withdrew in 2002. Shepherd then earned his diploma from Middletown's Life Skills Center, a computer-based charter school, and joined the Army in January 2003, said Charles Hall, administrator of the center.
"His main goal was to be in the service," Hall said. "I know he wanted to serve his country. His brother was in the service and that was an inspiration to him, too."
Shepherd's brother, Spc. Joshua Shepherd, is also a soldier with the 2nd Brigade, according to Fort Campbell.
A memorial service for Adam Shepherd will be held in Iraq.