February 6, 2008   
Release #02-003     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper dies in Iraq

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper died of non-combat related injuries at COB Adder, Iraq Tuesday.

The incident is under investigation.

Sgt. Rafael Alicea Rivera, 30, of Bayaman, Puerto Rico was a Squad Leader with 307th  Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 82nd Abn. Div.

Alicea Rivera joined the Army in November 2002.  He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 2003 and the Power Generation Equipment Repairer Advanced Individual Training in 2003.  He completed the Warrior Leader Course at Fort Bragg, NC in 2006.

“Sgt. Rafael Alicea will be sorely missed,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Davis, a fellow soldier from B Co. 307th BSB.  “His quiet personality with his motivated, charming smile always seemed to brighten the moment.”

“My best memory of him was his ability to maintain his physical condition,” Davis said.  “When we performed physical training, he often called cadence on some of our longest runs.  He knew his accent would butcher the cadence, but he would continue on as we ran making us all laugh.” 

Alicea Rivera served in Korea from April 2003 to April 2004.

He arrived to the 82nd Abn. Div. in May 2006 and was assigned to the 307th BSB, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.

“Alicea also had a warm approach with the Soldiers,” added Davis.  “His quiet, professional way seemed to calm all those who were around him.  No matter the workload, hot or cold, late or early, we knew and saw him to be calm and smooth with all that he was doing and accomplishing.  With his smile he always would say ‘Let’s go Troops!  Let’s get it done!’  Rafael was always a part of that strongest link in our team. 

“I do and will always miss Sgt. Rafael Alicea,” Davis said.  “May God bless him and his family.” 

Alicea Rivera’s awards and decorations include: the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Mechanic’s Badge, and the Driver’s Badge.

Alicea Rivera is survived by his mother, Carmen Lozada, and his sister, Wanda L. Alicea Rivera, both of San Juan, Puerto Rico.