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Fort Eustis soldier killed in Afghanistan

Posted at 3:49 PM, Jun 20, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-21 08:52:22-04

A Fort Eustis soldier was killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.

Sgt. Justin R. Johnson, 25, of Hobe Sound, Fla, was assigned to the 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, in Fort Eustis.

His unit deployed to Bagram Air Base in January to support in the Theater of Operation.

Sgt. Johnson was among four soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with indirect fire on June 18th in Bagram.

Also killed were Spc. Ember M. Alt, 21, of Beech Island, S.C., Spc. Robert W. Ellis, 21, of Kennewick, Wash., and  Spc. William R. Moody, 30, of Burleson, Texas, all assigned to 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. Johnson joined the Army in July 2006 and was a cargo specialist. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. and advanced individual training at Fort Eustis.

He was assigned to the 7th Sustainment Brigade in January 2007 where he served as an assistant Convoy Commander during his tour in theater providing critical security to logistical patrols throughout Northern Afghanistan.

According to information released by Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Johnson is a combat veteran of 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' (September 2008 - August 2009); 'Operation United Front' (January 2010 - March 2010) and currently 'Operation Enduring Freedom' (2012 - 2013) where he served as a Mission Commander for the 'Night-Riders' Convoy Escort Team.

He has received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commedation Medal, Army Achievement Medals with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, NATO ISAF Medal and Drivers/Mechanics Badge.