A soldier with the 82nd Airborne Division died early Sunday from apparent natural causes, officials said Tuesday.

Sgt. Omar Ojeda, 28, of Houston, died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Ojeda was a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, in the division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

"We are all deeply saddened at this loss of such a valued member of our paratrooper family," said Lt. Col. John Schwemmer, commander of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry, in a statement. "Words cannot completely express our sorrow. Sgt. Omar Ojeda was a remarkable paratrooper who will be absolutely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Ojeda joined the Army in 2005. After completing training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and later served in Korea. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in February.

Ojeda deployed twice, first to Iraq from October 2006 to January 2008, and later to Afghanistan from June 2009 to May 2010.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (three oak leaf clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (two oak leaf clusters), the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (one campaign star), the Iraq Campaign Medal (one campaign star), and the Parachutist Badge.

Ojeda is survived by his wife and son.

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