JBLM Releases More Information About Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis

(Editor's note: Joint Base Lewis-McChord released the following information regarding )

According to the Dept. of Defense, Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis, 47, of Dawsonville, Ga., died May 31 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 570th Sapper Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to unit records, Staff Sgt. Povilaitis entered the Army in February 1984, and he served three years as a Single Channel Radio Operator. He had a break in service until March 2008 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve.

On September 23, 2008, he re-entered the active duty Army and reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for initial Army training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 12B (Combat Engineer). Upon completion of AIT he reported to White Sands Missile Range, N.M. He deployed with his unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom November 2009 through July 2010.

Staff Sgt. Povilaitis reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on June 23, 2011, where he was assigned to the 570th Sapper Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade.  He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in July 2011. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt Povilaitis’ civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (1983), and Military Occupational Specialty 25C: Radio Operator-Maintainer (1984), Airborne School (1984), Military Occupational Specialty 12B: Combat Engineer (2008), Warrior Leader Course (2010), Combatives    Level 1 (2010), Urban Breach Course (2009), and Unit Prevention Leader (2009).

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (three awards), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon,  NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Alexander Povilaitis.