
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Defense Tuesday identified a Kansas soldier who died Monday in Iraq as a Reno County resident.
According to a release from the Department of Defense, 26-year-old Sgt. Christina Marie Schoenecker of Arlington, Kansas, died Monday in Baghdad from a non-combat related incident while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to the command, Schoenecker was a human resources specialist who joined the Army in 2009. She was promoted to sergeant in January 2015 and was completing her first deployment at the time of her death. Her awards include the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Army Reserve Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
Schoenecker grew up in the Arlington area and was a 2010 graduate of Fairfield High School, where her mother currently serves as the district nurse. According to USD 310 Superintendent Nathan Reed, a GoFundMe page has been set up through his wife’s account. The fund will go for travel, funeral and memorial expenses.
The Department of Defense says Schoenecker’s death is under investigation.