Arizona soldier dies on assignment in Kosovo

A 21-year-old soldier from Vail, Arizona, died while on assignment Saturday in Kosovo, but details are not clear as to what led to his death.

Gov. Doug Ducey ordered that all flags at state office buildings be lowered at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday to honor Army Specialist Robert W. Jones.

Jones was a military police dog handler assigned to the 131st Military Working Dog Detachment, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, according to the U.S Army Europe Public Affairs division.

In a press statement, Ducey said, “We mourn the loss of this brave young soldier at just 21 years old, serving in the NATO force in Kosovo. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice in defense of America and our freedoms.”

He also expressed his condolences and deepest sympathies to the Jones family and loved ones.

Jones was a member of the 18th Military Police Brigade, of the United States Army, based in Germany.

The U.S Army Europe Public Affairs division said that Jones joined the army in August 2015 and received several awards during his time in the Army.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Searl, 709th Military Police Battalion commander said in a statement that “Spc. Robert Jones was a remarkable soldier.”

The death was under investigation Wednesday.