Army Staff Sgt. Chad A. Barrett

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Chad A. Barrett, 35, of Saltville, Va.

SSgt Barrett was assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Feb. 2, 2008 in Mosul, Iraq, as a result of a non-combat related incident.

TriCities -- The Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that a soldier from the Tri-Cities died on February 2nd in Mosul, Iraq. They say the death of 35 year old Staff Sgt. Chad A. Barrett was not combat related.

The Department of Defense list Barrett’s home as Saltville, Virginia. His wife says he was originally from Jonesborough, Tennessee and only lived in Saltville for a short time. Barrett’s former brother-in law says the news of Barrett’s death was a shock.

“It shocked me more than anything, you don't expect it, even though you know he's in that zone, you just don't expect it," said Jim Robinson.

Robinson's sister and Staff Sgt. Barrett divorced several years ago. Barrett has since remarried and his wife talked about her husband’s death in an email to News Channel Eleven.

"He fought valiantly for the freedom of those who could not. He loved his family and he cherishes his friends." said Shelby Barrett, soldier’s wife.

Barrett's wife also said this would have been his 12th year in the military and he loved doing what he did.

Barrett graduated from David Crockett High School. This was Barrett's third military tour overseas. He was assigned to the 4th infantry division, headquartered in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Army Staff Sgt. Chad A. Barrett died from non-combat injuries on 2/2/08.