0
0
Washington, DC – The Department of Defense, today, has disclosed the identity of the soldier who was died while participating in Operation Spartan Shield. Specialist Jayson Reed Haven, a 20-year-old native of Aiken, South Carolina, lost his life on May 25, 2023, in a non-combat-related accident at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
The incident, a vehicle rollover, didn’t occur under combat conditions and is presently under official scrutiny. The Department of Defense reports that Spc. Haven was a proud part of Company B, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, of the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based in Charleston, South Carolina.
This devastating news has shocked the South Aiken High School community, as they lose an alumnus who was serving his country in the Army overseas. According to the Department of Defense’s official statement released on Friday, Spc. Jayson Reed Haven, aged 20, died tragically in a non-combat vehicle rollover accident, which is still under investigation.
The late Spc. Haven held the position of a machine gunner. His military journey began in January 2020, when he joined the Army. Following his enrollment, he underwent one-station unit training at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2022, his unit was deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, dedicated to supporting Operation Spartan Shield.
Upon learning about this tragic event, Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general of South Carolina, expressed his deepest condolences. In his statement, he issued the following statement, “There are no words that can adequately express how deeply saddened I am at the loss of one of our own. Spc. Jayson R. Haven was more than just a member of the South Carolina National Guard, he was family.”
He added, “As the adjutant general, it is impossible for me not to feel this loss on a personal level. Soldiers and their families are the fabric that holds our South Carolina military department together. There is nothing that I can say or offer to the family of Spc. Haven but know my thoughts and prayers and that of a great many South Carolinians are with you. You are not alone in grieving, we are with you.”
Throughout his service, Spc. Haven was awarded numerous accolades, which include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. His memory will remain a testament to his bravery and commitment to his country.
Source: Dept. of Defense
