CULLMAN — A soldier from Cullman died earlier this week while serving in Afghanistan.
Sgt. James L. Skalberg Jr., 25, of Cullman, Ala., an artilleryman assigned to 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, died June 27 when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
His brigade, based in Fort Bliss, Texas, was scheduled to return home in a few weeks.
Skalberg has served in the military since 2007, and was among 3,400 soldiers from the brigade conducting combat operations and advising Afghan security forces.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his service.
“Team Bliss is saddened by the loss of Sgt. James Skalberg. He was a great 1st Armored Division Soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and leaves behind a loving wife and infant son,” 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss commanding general Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, fellow Soldiers, and all of our troops in Afghanistan.”
When reached Friday, Skalberg’s family said they hoped to release a statement in the coming days.
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