Army Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis Jr.

Died May 31, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

47, of Dawsonville, Ga.; assigned to 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChordl, Wash.; died May 31 in Zharay, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

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SSG Alexander G. Povilaitis

April 26, 1965 – May 31, 2012

Staff Sgt. Alexander George Povilaitis was born to Martha and Alexander Povilaitis Sr. in Atlanta on April 26, 1965. He graduated from Cross Keys High School in 1983 and joined the Army in 1984, serving three years with the 82nd Airborne Division. During the 20 years between service, he established and owned a construction company in Dawsonville, Georgia.

SSG Povilaitis re-entered the Army in 2007 as a combat engineer and was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. He deployed in support of operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2009 to July 2010. After the deployment, SGT Povilaitis earned the rank of SSG and successfully completed SFAS. In June 2011, he was assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and deployed with the 14th Engineer Battalion to Afghanistan. Assigned to 2nd PLT, 570th Sapper Company, SSG Povilaitis was attached to the 610th ESC in Helmand and finally with the 22nd in Kandahar.

SSG Povilaitis’ leadership and presence within the battalion was characterized by his charisma, passion, and endless motivation. He epitomized the role and responsibilities of a noncommissioned officer. Opportunities were never missed, rather they were sought to develop junior soldiers and NCOs, advise peers and leaders, and lead his soldiers in any task or mission.

At home, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, and all around sportsman. If not in the woods, on a lake, with his family, or in the gym, he was on his Harley pursuing the next opportunity that presented itself.

His military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Urban Breacher Course, Combatives Level 1, Unit Prevention Leader, and U.S. Army Airborne School. Awards and decorations earned by SSG Povilaitis include the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster (OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with two OLC, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon with OLC, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

SSG Povilaitis died May 31, 2012, in Zharay, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. He is survived by his wife Kimberly, his sons Danny and Blaine, his stepdaughter Kaitlyn, his stepsons Zach, Shane, and Kyle, and his father Alexander Povilaitis.