Missing soldier in Iraq promoted to sergeant

http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_010093836

LAWRENCE - Growing up, Alex Jimenez loved the Army so much that one of his goals was to join and be promoted through the ranks.

The Army specialist, who has been missing in Iraq since May 12, was promoted to sergeant this week.

Jimenez's father, Andy, was elated when he received the news Tuesday in a telephone call and a letter from the Department of the Army Human Resources Command in Arlington, Va. The promotion letter was dated Jan. 7.

"It gives me a great sense of pride," Jimenez said of his son's promotion. "This (his promotion) will make him feel proud when he returns," he said.

Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Pvt. Byron Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich., and Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif., were captured in an ambush on May 12. Anzack's body was later found in the Euphrates River.