A soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday, officials from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, announced Wednesday.
Staff Sgt. Juan Reyes Jr., 37, was found in the San Antonio, Texas, area. The San Antonio Police Department is investigating the incident, the Army said.
Reyes, who was from Texas, was a health care specialist assigned to the 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our finest paratroopers and a valued member of our team," said Lt. Col. Stephen Owen, commander of the 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, in a statement. "Staff Sgt. Reyes was an outstanding paratrooper and medic. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, children and friends during this difficult time."
Reyes joined the Army in January 2001, according to information released by Fort Bragg. After completing basic combat training, he attended advanced individual training at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in March 2011.
Reyes served three combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: March 2004 to March 2005, October 2006 to November 2007, and February 2010 to July 2010.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two oak-leaf clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak-leaf clusters, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars and the Combat Medical Badge.
