West MI paratrooper found dead in apt

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WOOD) - A soldier from West Michigan was found unresponsive and pronounced dead in his North Carolina apartment Dec. 7, Fayetteville police confirmed for 24 Hour News 8.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey, 37, from Byron Center, served as an air movement liaison with the 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters and was assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

The cause of death is under investigation.

"Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Griffey was a dedicated leader in the 4th Brigade and 82nd Airborne Division,” Lt. Col. Geoffrey Kent, commander of the 782nd BSB, said in a news release. “Serving six years in the Fury Brigade, also as a platoon sergeant, Jeff touched the lives of countless Paratroopers and their families. He was a true professional by all measures and a dear friend to many. His highest priority was spending time with his three children whom he loved dearly. This unexpected death has shaken our unit and the Troopers that knew Jeffrey. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Griffey family during this challenging time of loss.”

Griffey joined the Army in 1993. He completed basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He arrived at Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division in 2006 where he served as a senior maintenance noncommissioned officer in charge, platoon sergeant, maintenance supervisor, maintenance control sergeant and motor sergeant.

Griffey served on two combat deployments. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 to January 2004, and Operation Enduring Freedom from January to October 2007.

Griffey’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with service star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge with Bronze Service Star and the Pathfinder Badge.