03.02.23

Hoeven: North Dakota Paratrooper Veteran Honored with Final Jump Over Fort Bragg

Senator Worked with Army to Fulfill Final Wish of ND Veteran Vincent Compeau

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the ashes of North Dakota veteran Vincent Compeau were spread in the dropzone following a jump over Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Compeau, a North Dakota native, served with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne 505 Infantry Company as a paratrooper and infantryman at Fort Bragg from 1980 to 1986. Following his service, he returned to his home state, residing with his family in the communities of Grand Forks, New Town and Makoti. 

After Compeau passed away in November 2022, his family requested that Senator Hoeven help fulfill his final wish to take one last jump over Fort Bragg. The senator worked with the Army, including 82nd Airborne Division Commander Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, to advance the request, which was completed by Lt. Col. Eric Spicer, an Army chaplain, on Tuesday, February 28.

“We are grateful every day for the hard work and sacrifice of our state’s veterans, like Vincent Compeau, to defend our nation,” said Hoeven. “This jump was not only Vincent’s final wish, but serves as a cherished moment for his loved ones that honors his life and memory. We appreciate the U.S. Army, Maj. Gen. LaNeve and Lt. Col. Spicer for helping make this request a reality.” 

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