Soldier, Saginaw native, dies at in GA

VASSAR, Mich. (AP) - Officials say a 31-year-old soldier originally from Michigan who was deployed once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan has died at Fort Benning, Ga.

Hanlin Funeral Home said Wednesday Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Schlereth of Opelika, Ala., died suddenly of natural causes Nov. 27 at the base. Details weren't immediately available.

Schlereth was born in the Michigan community of Saginaw and previously lived in Vassar, about 70 miles northwest of Detroit.

The funeral home says he was a 1999 graduate of Vassar High School. He joined the Army afterward and was stationed most of his career at Fort Campbell, Ky. He more recently was stationed at Fort Benning as a reconnaissance course instructor.

Schlereth had received two bronze stars, among other honors. Survivors include his wife, Margaret, and son, Caleb.