U.S. Soldier from Willingboro Killed in Jordan

From ABC News:  A South Jersey man was identified as one of the three American service members killed in a drone attack at a U.S. base in Jordan over the weekend.

The Department of Defense identified the three fallen U.S. Army Reserve soldiers as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Willingboro, N.J.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga.; Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga.

The soldiers died on Jan. 28, 2024, when a one-way unmanned aerial system impacted their container housing units near the Syrian border, the U.S. military said. The incident is under investigation.

From NBC:

Mr. “Rivers enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 and was first assigned to the 990th Engineer Company at Fort McGuire-Dix in New Jersey. He completed a nine-month tour in Iraq in 2018 and was assigned to Fort Moore last year.

“According to NBC News, (Mr.) Rivers’ awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.”

Said Governor Phil Murphy:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant William Rivers of Willingboro, who was among three U.S. soldiers killed in the terrorist attack in Jordan this weekend. As parents, Tammy and I send our heartfelt sympathies to all three families who now face the unimaginable pain of losing a cherished loved one. As Americans, we share our gratitude for the soldiers’ bravery and sacrifice, and for the courage of every servicemember fighting terrorism at home and abroad, to whom we owe a debt we can never repay.

“I will sign an executive order later this week lowering our flags to half-staff in Sergeant William Rivers’ honor.”

Said U.S. senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in a statement:

“Sergeant Rivers served with courage, honor, and a deep sense of duty, embodying the best of New Jersey and our nation,” Booker said. “His death is a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and our entire country, and a reminder of the heavy debt we owe to our military families for their sacrifice.”

State Senator Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Commissioners released the following statement on the death of Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, of Willingboro:

“All of Burlington County is shocked and saddened to learn that one of our own was among the U.S. soldiers killed in this weekend’s terrorist attack, and our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends, family and loved ones of Sergeant William Rivers and his two colleagues, Specialist Kenndy L. Sanders and Breonna Moffett. Their deaths are a painful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy are the result of the courage and selfless sacrifice of heroes like them. Like many before them, they gave the last full measure of devotion to this nation, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, their families, and all the U.S. service members standing guard in defense of our country.”

President Joe Biden offered the following statement:

“Today, America’s heart is heavy. Last night, three U.S. service members were killed—and many wounded—during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border.  While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

“Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen—and Americans across the country—in grieving the loss of these warriors in this despicable and wholly unjust attack. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country— risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism.  It is a fight we will not cease.

“The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation. Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.”

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