Army IDs 2 Fort Bliss Soldiers Killed in Separate Vehicle Accidents

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  • Spc. Kenmaj D. Graham
    Spc. Kenmaj D. Graham was walking in El Paso, Texas, early Sunday morning when an oncoming vehicle struck the 21-year-old cavalry scout, according to a Fort Bliss news release. (U.S. Army)
  • Sgt. 1st Class Dejaun K. Frazier
    Sgt. 1st Class Dejaun K. Frazier died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 in a motorcycle accident in El Paso, according to a Fort Bliss news release. (U.S. Army)

Two 1st Armored Division soldiers died over the weekend in vehicle-related accidents outside of Fort Bliss, Texas.

Spc. Kenmaj D. Graham was walking in El Paso, Texas, early Sunday morning when an oncoming vehicle struck the 21-year-old cavalry scout, according to a Fort Bliss news release Monday. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Sgt. 1st Class Dejaun K. Frazier died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in El Paso, according to the release. He was pronounced dead by an El Paso medical examiner.

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The El Paso Police Department responded to both incidents since it has jurisdiction, according to the release.

Graham, a native of Wichita, Kansas, joined the Army in July 2017. He arrived at Fort Bliss in December 2017 after completing basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, according to the release.

"The Bulldog family mourns the loss of this young man. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones," Col. Jabari Miller, commander of the 3rd ABCT, said in the release. "Spc. Graham was a valued member of the Bulldog team, a cavalry scout with a bright future in the U.S. Army. He will be missed."

Graham's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Frazier, 43, was a native of Tallahassee, Florida, who previously served in the Marine Corps. He joined the Army in February 2011 as a telecommunications operations chief, according to the release. He arrived at Fort Bliss in November 2018 after serving as an Army Instructor at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and a section chief at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

"The 1st Armored Division G6 team is saddened by the tragic loss of Sgt. First Class Frazier. ... Frazier served as a signal platoon sergeant, and he was a combat-proven leader who was dedicated to taking care of his soldiers," Lt. Col. Michael Wacker, 1AD assistant chief of staff, G6, said in the release. "His legacy of coaching and mentoring his platoon will never be forgotten. The 1AD G6 team sends our condolences to his family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."

Frazier was a 2018 graduate of the U.S. Army Senior Leaders Course and held the additional skill identifier 8R, Master Resilience Trainer.

Frazier's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal (3), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marine Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Navy Unit Citation and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Another 1st Armored Division soldier -- Staff Sgt. John D. S. Bailey -- died Thursday in his on-post residence. The Army is investigating the circumstances around Bailey's death.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

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