Sgt.
James Skalberg, Jr., 25, of Emerson, Iowa was killed by an improvised explosive
device Wednesday in Afghanistan.
The
Army says Skalberg was traveling in a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle
in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province at the time of the explosion. He was assigned as a canon crew member to
Battery B, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored
Division, U.S. Army, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Skalberg
grew up in Emerson, Iowa and graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 2005,
where he played basketball, football and track. He attended Peru State College in Nebraska
before joining the Army in 2007.
Skalberg served in Iraq prior to Afghanistan.
His
awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (awarded posthumously),
the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal,
Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver's Badge, Air Assault Badge
and Combat Action Badge.
Skalberg
leaves behind a wife, Jessica, and a son.
Jessica also has a brother, Jacob Payne, currently serving in
Afghanistan.
Skalberg's
family issued a statement describing Skalberg as "carefree, easy-going, reliable, level-headed, loving, he was a
gentleman in all respects." His
family says Skalberg was a "proud father" who "was excited to have more children and was looking forward to teaching
them how to play basketball."
"He was proud to serve his country and was greatly
respected and loved by his Soldiers," his family says. "He will be greatly missed and remembered
forever."
Funeral
arrangements are still pending.
