European edition, Saturday, July 7, 2007

STUTTGART, Germany — A Special Forces soldier facing eight charges was arraigned on Friday during a brief proceeding at the Stuttgart Law Center.

Sgt. 1st Class Philip J. Perez of 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, is charged with one count of being absent without leave, three counts of willfully disobeying a superior officer, one count of dereliction of duty, two counts of adultery and one count of wrongful neglect of children.

No details of the alleged crimes were discussed during Friday’s arraignment, which was conducted by Judge (Lt. Col.) Timothy Grammel.

Legal proceedings against Perez were instituted on Sept. 6, 2006, meaning the alleged crimes took place sometime prior to that date, officials said.

Perez’ court-martial is scheduled to begin Aug. 6.

Neither the prosecution nor the defense on Friday filed any motions with the judge.

Memorial service set for deceased NCOA memorial service is set for July 12 for a noncommissioned officer who died Thursday at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, England, after battling thymic cancer.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher L. Lewis served as a flight chief with the 422nd Security Forces Squadron at RAF Croughton, England, according to an Air Force news release.

The 38-year-old Beaumont, Texas, native had served in England since August 2006.

“The loss of Sergeant Lewis weighs heavily on the hearts of our entire 501st family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, coworkers and friends during this difficult time,” said Col. Kimberly Toney, 501st Combat Support Wing commander.

During his career, Lewis received five Air Force Achievement Medals and an Air Force Commendation medal.

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