Fort Drum -- Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, 26, was a military police noncommissioned officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mejias enlisted in the Army in October 2001 and trained at Fort Sill, Okla., to be an artilleryman.

In March 2002, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery at Warner Barracks, Germany. He was reassigned to Fort Drum in March 2006.

While assigned to Germany, he deployed to Yugoslavia from November to December 2002.

Mejias' military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Unit Armorer Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course.

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and the Driver Badge.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, of Fort Drum, and his parent, who live in Puerto Rico.