Politics & Government

Fort Bragg's Missing Soldier Kelli Bordeaux Declared Dead

While her body has not been found, she is declared deceased as of Monday.

Fort Bragg officials have declared the missing soldier, Spc. Kellie Bordeaux deceased on May 20, 2013. The change in status allows the transfer of benefits to her family, but does not presume that she is dead or has been found.

The Board of Inquiry was conducted by the Army Human Resources Command under the provisions of Title 10, United States Code and the Department of Defense Instruction 2310.05, which covers accountability of missing persons.

On May 16, 2012, the Army Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Jason Evans, approved a recommendation to change Bordeaux's casualty status from Duty Status and Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) to "missing" based on her commander’s initial assessment and investigation.

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“Specialist Bordeaux was a Soldier like no other. Kelli absolutely loved being in the Army and that attitude was reflected in everything she did,” said Lt. Col. Heather A. Kness, commander of the 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion. “Her infectious optimism, team spirit, and desire to serve our nation as a combat medic are an indelible legacy that will live on with every Soldier in the 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion.”

Bordeaux’s husband and mother were notified of the change in status by Army officials May 20, 2013. In keeping with Army policy, Bordeaux’s family will be eligible for survivor benefits.

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“Kelli's entire family is in our thoughts and prayers, especially her mother, husband, sister and brother,” Kness continued.

“On behalf of the battalion, I would like to thank the countless members of the community and law enforcement who have searched endlessly for Kelli over the last year."

Bordeaux was assigned to the 601st Area Support Medical Company, 44th Medical Brigade, and served as a combat medic. She was last seen departing an establishment in Fayetteville, N.C., on April 14, 2012, under suspicious circumstances. Fayetteville Police and Army Criminal Investigation Command investigators have been involved in the search.


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