Fort Carson soldier dies in non-combat incident in Syria
A Fort Carson soldier died this week in a non-combat incident while deployed to northern Syria, the Department of Defense announced Friday.
Spc. Alex J. Ram — a 20-year-old cavalry scout from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., — was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, which is part of Fort Carson’s 4th Infantry Division. He died on Tuesday and his death is under investigation, according to the Department of Defense.
“He was not just a good soldier, he was a good person,” Kaiser Ram said of his son. “My son was doing what he wanted to do and was becoming a great man. He was a joker but took his job really seriously.”
Alex Ram — who graduated from Alta Loma High School in 2019 — joined the Army on Jan. 13, 2020 and arrived at Fort Carson that July. He deployed to Syria last September.
During a phone call from Syria, Kaiser Ram remembers his son telling him he had volunteered to cook for 300 soldiers since they didn’t have an assigned cook.
“He was a loyal friend and took care of people,” Kaiser Ram said. “He was the glue that held his platoon together.”
Alex Ram was in Syria supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. military campaign against the Islamic State. Fort Carson’s 1st Brigade Combat Team deployed nearly 2,000 soldiers to Iraq and surrounding countries last September for a nine-month deployment.
This was the first announced Fort Carson death of the deployment.
“The passing of Spc. Alex Ram is an unfortunate loss for the entire Raider team,” Col. Andrew Steadman said in a statement. “We want to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this time of mourning. Every soldier fills an important role in the Raider Brigade, and losing Alex is particularly tough. He brought honor to the uniform and was not only an outstanding soldier, but a loyal friend. Alex will be deeply missed.”
California Gov. Gavin Newson announced Friday flags will be flown at half-staff over the state Capitol in Ram’s honor.
Although the war in Iraq has ended, the U.S. continues to rotate a small number of troops to the region. Fort Carson soldiers are the primary U.S. force for the entire country.
Beyond base and personnel security and protection — the brigade’s primary role — soldiers are advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces, training partner forces and providing air defense against incoming fire. And of course, they remain combat ready.
“On behalf of U.S. Central Command, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our fallen American soldier who was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Central Command commander. “Spc. Ram’s service to his country and his sacrifices will not be forgotten.”
A bird rests on the shoulder of Spc. Alex Ram in this updated photo sent to the Ram family by the Army. “Even animals knew our son was a good person,” said Kaiser Ram, Alex’s father.
Spc. Alex J. Ram