John Jefferson
U.S. Army Sgt. Sarah Roque (Army).
The Army is investigating after a 23-year-old soldier disappeared from a Missouri base and was later found dead.
In a Facebook post around 6 p.m. Monday, the U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood base requested the public’s assistance in finding Sgt. Sarah Roque of the 5th Engineer Battalion. The post said she failed to show up for roll call Monday morning. Her family and chain of command were unable to get ahold of her. Officials included a be-on-the-lookout poster with her photos on it.
The base announced shortly after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday that Roque was found dead. It did not say where she was found or release the cause or manner of death. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the matter.
“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team is deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow Soldiers of Sergeant Roque,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general said in a statement. “Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably. Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those who are affected during this difficult time.”
Roque hailed from Ligonier, Indiana, and earned several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. She enlisted in 2020 and completed her basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. She worked as a mine dog handler with the K-9 Detachment.
The base is located in the Missouri Ozarks.
U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, whose district includes the base, sent a statement expressing his condolences.
“We mourn with all those affected by this tragedy, and we stand alongside them during this horrible time,” he said.
Anyone with information about Roque’s death is urged to contact law enforcement officials at 573-596-6141. Information can also be reported anonymously to CID Crime Tips at https://www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Read the full article here