Fort Bliss Soldier Dies In Qatar, Officials Say

A soldier assigned to Fort Bliss died Monday in Qatar, post officials said Wednesday.

Chief Warrant Officer James B. Wilke, 38, was serving in the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Doha, Qatar. The cause of death is under investigation.

Wilke, who is from of Ione, Calif., was a Patriot Weapons System technician with the 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. He deployed to Qatar in January 2011.

Wilke joined the Army in June 1992 and arrived at Fort Bliss in January 2007.

According to a news release, Wilke has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and the Parachutist Badge.

Wilke is survived by his wife and mother.