Fort Bragg-based soldier killed in Afghanistan

An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was killed Friday in western Afghanistan while his unit was conducting a patrol, the Defense Department said Saturday.

Sgt. Dillon Foxx, a forward observer with 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, died when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was patrolling the Murghab District.

"He will be missed by everyone that knew him," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Fitzgerald, Foxx's squad leader. "He was always the first person I would come to for help to get things done. He made my job easy knowing that I could count on him to get the job done. I know that he made a difference in my life and I will try to live my life to the fullest for him."

Foxx, a 22-year-old from Traverse City, Mich., enlisted in the Army in May 2006 at the age of 18. He attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Sill, Okla., and Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga. Upon completion of his training, Foxx reported to Ft. Bragg, where he was assigned to the 1-508th PIR.

In January 2007, Foxx deployed with the unit for a 15-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Foxx was promoted to sergeant in January 2009, and redeployed to Afghanistan last August.

"Sgt. Foxx was the type of paratrooper that makes commanding a company easy," said Capt. Aaron White, Foxx's company commander. "He was a self-starter and always got the job done. I am blessed to have served with heroes like Sgt. Foxx. He will be missed by the entire company, and we pray for his son, Levi, and his family."

Foxx's awards and decorations include an Army Commendation with Valor Device, the Army Commendation with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

He is survived by his son Kaiden Levi of Carrolton, Ohio; his mother Trina Pfua of Traverse, Mich., and his father, Robert Lentz.

A memorial will be held in his honor in Afghanistan.