Soldier from New Jersey found dead in Fort Hood barracks; Investigation underway

FORT HOOD (WABC) -- An investigation is underway after a soldier from New Jersey was found dead at Fort Hood.

Sergeant Gene Robert Brandes, Jr., was found dead in his barracks room on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old is from Oak Ridge.

Brandes served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded three Army commendation medals.

He entered the military in August 2006 as a Patriot Launching Station enhanced operator/maintainer and was assigned to 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Hood, since April 2014.

Brandes deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2007 to November 2008. He also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from April 2010 to March 2011.

Brandes' awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.