Army Sgt. Sergio Sanchez

Remember Our Heroes
82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper dies after robbery

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper has died from wounds sustained when he was shot during a suspected robbery in Fayetteville, N.C.

Sgt. Sergio Sanchez, 22, a computer systems repair technician, assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., was from Anniston, Ala.

The investigation into the event that led to Sanchez’s initial wounding and subsequent death is ongoing. The City of Fayetteville Police Department is the lead agency in the investigation.

"Sgt. Sanchez was an exemplary paratrooper who served magnificently in B Company, 407th Brigade Support Battalion, for over 15 months in combat,” said Ltc. Thomas J. Rogers, his battalion commander.

“His loss is tragic and the void that he leaves behind will be difficult to fill,” Rogers added. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Sanchez was born in Yuma, AZ in March 1986. He joined the Army in July 2004. He completed Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, SC and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Gordon, GA. Following his completion of Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA, Sanchez arrived at Ft. Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Division in June 2005.

Sanchez most recently deployed with 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Jan. 2007 as part of the “surge” to contain violence in and around Baghdad, Iraq. He remained there for 15-months and returned home only 29 days before the attack that claimed his life. It was his only deployment.

“Sgt. Sanchez succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at 4:44 am on April 19,” said Capt. Havard M. Whiles, his company commander, “SGT Sanchez was an essential part of the B Co. ‘Weasels’ Communications and Electronics repair shop and was vital to the company’s successful deployment during the Baghdad Troop Surge.” Whiles added, “the memory of this paratrooper’s spirit and sense of humor will never be forgotten.”

Sanchez’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal-second award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Svc. Ribbon, and the Parachutist’s Badge.

He is survived by father, Sergio Sanchez Sr., his mother, Guadalupe Sanchez, and sister, Diana Sanchez, both of Anniston, AL

Police seek info in Fort Bragg death
05/02/2008 09:32 AM
By: News 14 Carolina Staff

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Fayetteville police need your help solving the murder of a Fort Bragg soldier.

Sgt. Sergio Sanchez, 22, died April 19th after being shot during a robbery April 12th. Sanchez was assigned to the 407th brigade support battalion of the 82nd airborne division, and had just recently returned from a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq.

Police believe Sanchez was walking to his car when he came across a robbery in progress at Blue Street and Washington Street behind Sharkey's night club. That's when police say he was shot and robbed.

The shooting happened around 3 a.m. last Saturday. Police still want to talk with anyone who might have been at the bar that night.

Anyone with information is asked to call Fayetteville CrimeStoppers at (910) 483-8477.