Army soldier from Northern California dies in non-combat incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan
A 24-year-old soldier from the Sacramento area who was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, died Sunday in a non-combat-related incident that is under investigation, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Monday.
Army 1st Lt. Joseph Trent Allbaugh of Folsom was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, according to a news release from the Department of Defense. There were no further details about Allbaugh’s death released Monday.
Allbaugh was born and raised in Folsom by his parents, Larry and Laura Allbaugh, according to the Army. He attended Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, where he earned a degree in psychology in 2018.
He was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps as an Army air defense artillery officer, when he married his wife, Ashley Allbaugh of Placerville.
After attending the Basic Officer’s Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Allbaugh was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his time there, he served as a platoon leader with the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
He also served as engagement operations cell battle captain in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Kandahar. Allbaugh was awarded with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, according to the Army.
Col. Charles Matallana, commander of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, offered his condolences on behalf of his brigade.
“The loss of First Lt. Joseph Allbaugh is devastating for everyone,” Matallana said in a written statement from the Army. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers. We are with them during this incredibly painful time.”
This story was originally published July 13, 2020 at 2:43 PM.
