Virginia National Guards Soldiers Death Under Investigation

Va. National Guard soldier from Davenport dies in Iraq
By Lauren King
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 19, 2011
A 44-year-old soldier with a Virginia National Guard squadron based in Portsmouth died in Iraq as a result of non-combat-related injuries.

Staff Sgt. James R. Leep Jr. of Davenport died Monday in Babil Province, a news release from the Virginia National Guard public affairs office said. His death is under investigation.

Leep was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Brigade Combat Team. He was assigned to the Gate City-based 1033rd Engineer Company as a combat engineer and construction equipment supervisor. He was reassigned to Troop A as a truck commander for the unit’s convoy security mission and was commander for a convoy escort team.

His unit will hold a memorial service on Thursday in Iraq.
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