SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (March 27, 2009) -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Schofield Barracks Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

Staff Sgt. Raphael A. Futrell, 26, of Anderson, S.C., died Wednesday in Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. Staff Sgt. Futrell was assigned to the 13th Military Police Detachment, 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command. He was serving as an Explosive Detector Dog Handler.

 

He joined the Army in July of 2001 and was assigned to Schofield Barracks in July of 2008. His Awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, six Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon w/numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, Air Assault Badge and Driver Badge.

 

 

 

 

SSG Raphael Futrell was one of our "adopted" handlers . He was being supported by Doug McCoy, MWD Handler, Wolf X548, 1970-71, U. S. Army 47th Infantry Platoon Scout Dogs (LZ Sally & Phu Bai), Republic of Vietnam