The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Joint Guardian. Oregon Army National Guard Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, 20, from Willamina, Oregon, died as the result of a non-combat related incident, July 4, 2020, at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. The incident is under investigation. Pfc. Klass was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, Springfield, Oregon. Klass joined the Oregon Army National Guard on Jan. 19, 2019 as an Infantryman. He mobilized in January of 2020 and was scheduled to return home from Kosovo in November. “This is a tragic situation and our primary focus is supporting the family during this difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, Land Component Commander, Oregon Army National Guard. The family has requested a period of privacy for healing and reflection. We ask that the community respects the family’s wishes at this time. For more information regarding Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, media may contact Maj. Stephen S. Bomar, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs at stephen.s.bomar.mil@mail.mil; agpa@mil.state.or.us, or at (503) 584-3885.
