One of the three American service members killed in a drone attack at a U.S. base in Jordan over the weekend has been identified as a South Jersey man.
The Department of Defense has identified the three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who tragically lost their lives. They are Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, aged 46 from Willingboro, N.J.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, aged 24 from Waycross, Ga.; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, aged 23 from Savannah, Ga.
On January 28, 2024, the U.S. military reported that the soldiers lost their lives in an unfortunate incident near the Syrian border. A one-way unmanned aerial system collided with their container housing units. The military is currently investigating the incident.
Rivers joined the Army Reserve in 2011 as an Interior Electrician (12R). After finishing advanced individual training, he was initially assigned to the 990th Engineer Company at Fort McGuire-Dix in New Jersey.
During 2018, Rivers actively served in Iraq for a nine-month duration, providing crucial assistance to Operation Inherent Resolve.
In 2023, Sgt. Rivers found himself assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, part of the 926th Engineer Battalion and 926th Engineer Brigade, located at Fort Moore in Georgia.
“Sergeant Rivers exemplified courage, honor, and a profound sense of duty, truly embodying the finest characteristics of both New Jersey and our nation. His passing is an immense loss to his loved ones, colleagues, and the entire country, serving as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifice made by military families. As New Jersey Senator Cory Booker expressed in a heartfelt statement, we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to these families.”
River has been recognized for their exceptional service and dedication with various awards and decorations. These 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 Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with the “M” Device, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star.
According to U.S. officials, the drone attack also resulted in injuries to thirty-four American service members.
President Joe Biden confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. has gathered intelligence indicating that the recent attack was perpetrated by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.
According to Nasser Kanaani, an Iranian ministry spokesperson, the allegations of Iran’s involvement in the attack are simply repeating baseless accusations.
Kanaani emphasized that the groups in the region do not receive orders from Iran. He firmly believes that war is not the solution and that an immediate cease-fire in Gaza is crucial for the restoration of peace.
According to John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, President Biden is currently considering multiple options for how to respond to the strike. During an interview on “Good Morning America” on Monday, Kirby emphasized that the United States has recognized Iran’s support for Houthi, Hezbollah, and Hamas militants in the region.
Kirby assured ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos that their intention is not to escalate the conflict in the region or seek a broader war. Moreover, he made it clear that they have no desire for any confrontation with Iran.
“He added, ‘It’s important to understand that Iran is actively supporting these groups. They provide them with resources, training, and show no signs of discouraging these attacks.'”
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