82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper dies in Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Joshua Ford | Col. Bryan Owens, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander, and his sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Lambert, pay their respects to the late Cpl. Nicholas Alexander Arvanitis, infantryman, 3rd Platoon, Company C, 1st Bn., 82nd Abn. Div., Oct 8, 2006 during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Summerall. Arvanitis was killed during a patrol Oct. 6, 2006 in Bayji, Iraq.  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

10.06.2006

Courtesy Story

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

3rd BCT, 82nd (AA) PAO
PRESS RELEASE

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was killed when he was engaged by enemy forces with small arms fire near Bayji, Iraq.

Cpl. Nicholas A. Arvanitis, 22, a machine gunner assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Abn. Div., was from Salem, N.H.

"Cpl. Arvanitis was an outstanding Paratrooper that served his Country with distinction and honor," said Lt. Col. Scott Harris, Task Force 1-505 commander. "His contributions to the Global War on Terrorism have made a significant impact in both Afghanistan and Iraq."

Arvanitis joined the Army in August 2003. He completed infantry One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning in December 2003 and the Basic Airborne Course in January 2004. He reported to Fort Bragg in March 2004 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in April 2004.

Arvanitis deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of 3rd Brigade Combat Team in July. Arvanitis previously deployed to Afghanistan for two months in September 2004 to support the Afghan national elections.

Arvanitis's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist's Badge.

"Cpl. Arvanitis was a two-time combat veteran with 1-505th PIR, and he will always be remembered for his courage, service, and contribution to the Nation," Harris said.

Arvanitis is survived by his father, Richard Arvanitis, and his mother, Maureen Arvanitis, and sister, Kimberly Arvanitis, of Salem, N.H.. A memorial service was held for him in Iraq Oct.8.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2006
• Date Posted: 10.11.2006 13:35
• Story ID: 7990
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US