“Today, the Department of Defense released the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2017-2018…There were 117 reports of sexual assault received across all three academies. This is an increase of five from the prior academic program year, indicating confidence in response measures, however, surveyed measures of unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment increased compared to rates last measured in 2016. There was also an overall increase in sexual harassment.” Read more here. -Department of Defense (January 31, 2019)
“Until my son is found, there is no limit to the resources that should be brought. And if that means you have to go over the same area three times, go over the area three times.” -Jennifer Florin (Scott Weinhold’s mother)
Timeline of Events:
Who contacted Fort Hood to inform them of the three missing soldiers who were fishing on Belton Lake? Did they have cell phones? Is their any service in the area? Were their cell phones lost and/or damaged when the canoes capsized? Did authorities find the cell phones? Did the soldier who escaped to safety have a working cell phone. Were the numbers pinged?
January 21, 2019:
Three men were reported missing in the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA). One unidentified Fort Hood soldier was found alive; Army Sgt. Kelton Sphaler was found dead in 10 feet of water near shore; and Army veteran Scott Weinhold is still missing, search underway. Fort Hood and the Texas Game Wardens took the lead on the search for Scott. According to Hunter Davis of KXXV, three people went fishing at Belton Lake in two canoes. An unnamed soldier claimed he tipped his canoe and Scott Weinhold and Sgt. Kelton Sphaler tipped their canoes in an attempt to help him. The unnamed soldier was able to swim to safety.
January 22, 2019 (Day 1):
Army veteran Scott Weinhold currently missing. Last known location is at Belton Lake, Fort Hood, Texas
“The Morgan’s Point Resort dive team recovered a body [Sgt. Kelton Sphaler] from 10 feet of water at 2 p.m. Tuesday…The body was found on the opposite shore from Sparta Valley Park on Lake Belton…Bernstein [Bell County Game Warden] also said a capsized canoe was located at that bank, and the body was nearby. Sphaler and Scott Weinhold, a Fort Hood veteran, were missing after their canoes overturned on Lake Belton Monday night, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife officials. Another soldier managed to swim back to shore. The three had taken two motorized canoes to Lake Belton…One of the canoes turned over, and during the attempt to save it, the other also capsized.” -KCEN TV
“Weinhold’s family says search teams found his jacket, shoes and tackle box on land Thursday. His wife was called to the area to identify the belongings and she says they belonged to Weinhold. Crews will search the area on land on Friday. They will bring out fresh tracking dogs to help…Weinhold, 25, recently completed four years of military service, stationed in Central Texas. Officials are still searching for his body.” -KXXV CenTex
According to the Fort Hood Fallen, family search teams found Scott’s belongings and Scott’s father was able to identify his belongings on site as part of the search team. First they found his tackle box and about 20 minutes later, they found his coat with the sleeves inside out. The Fort Hood Fallen also learned that a man in the Coast Guard and his wife volunteered to help look for Scott but were turned away by authorities who threatened to arrest them if they violated their directive.
January 23, 2019 (Day 2):
Fort Hood retweeted Texas Game Warden on Twitter with note on January 23, 2019.
“Continue search for missing boater on Lake Belton; due to wind and water conditions request all volunteers stay off the lake for safety. Lake access at some boat ramps may be closed. The public is reminded land access to the search area is restricted to authorized personnel only.” @TexasGameWarden
“ATTENTION – Those private citizens who are trying to assist in the search for a missing person around Lake Belton, you can help the most by staying at home. You heart is in the right place, but please let the professionals do their job.” @FortHood
“The three individuals were apparently in motorized canoes which overturned at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Monday while out on the lake. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has led the search and rescue which located two of the three missing boaters from the incident on Lake Belton. They were assisted by several local, state and federal agencies – including Fort Hood emergency services units and are continuing to search for the third boater involved in the incident.” -Fort Hood Press Center
(Editor’s Note: These version of events are what has been reported by the unnamed soldier who was able to swim to safety. His version of events are not confirmed or corroborated.)
“Today, Jennifer Florin says family and friends took part in the search for the first time, searching the area where emergency crews found the body of his friend with their canoe. ‘We had several canines from our agency and we had a couple first responders check on land – where we found shoes, life jackets….and we searched and searched and didn’t find any footprints, anything like that. That would tell us he’s on land,’ Campos explains. Now they think he is in the water somewhere and are now using a tail fish mechanism to find him.” -CenTexProud.com
“Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. While we absorb the shock of yet another Hood death, especially one where there are conflicting stories, let us not for one second forget veteran Scott Weinhold who, as of now, is still missing.” -Fort Hood Fallen
“As you go thru today and the coming days, we ask that you keep Scott Weinhold, who is still missing from the boating accident on Belton Lake, his family, the family of Sgt Kelton Sphaler and all their friends and brothers/sisters in arms at Ft Hood as they navigate this continued search and grief. We also ask for your prayers for Ft Hoods continued cooperation in this VERY important search.” -Fort Hood Fallen
“Scott Weinhold is still missing from the fatal boating accident this week, that claimed one Ft Hood Soldiers life. Scott, a native on New Hampshire, served in the Army is an Eagle Scout and a volunteer Fireman. His family has been adamant about making sure their continued access is granted and that they are involved in the search in Belton Lake and in the surrounding area on Ft Hood Property.” -Fort Hood Fallen
“The Facebook portion of this research, support and advocacy mission started in October of 2016 with a Ft Hood missing soldier. Since then, we have not been as impacted by a missing warrior or his family as much we are right now. Over 1700 of you have joined us in this mission. You are our partners. We know your heart and your power…Tonite and every night until Scott Weinhold is found or returns home safely, our admins will join with his family friends to keep a light on to guide his way. We ask that you join us in doing so and pray to whatever powerful source you hold dear for justice and Scott’s safe return.” -Fort Hood Fallen
“The mission, and the only mission here at Ft Hood Fallen is to advocate for and support our countries warriors and their families at Ft Hood. There will never be another mission. We do not provide formal counseling or formal investigative services. We are always open to having as many partners in this mission of honor as possible to include civilian, law enforcement, first responders, military and governmental resources. These soldiers, first and foremost belong to their families and ultimately to this country and to it’s people. We welcome anyone who feels the same. God Bless our Best.” -Fort Hood Fallen
February 2, 2019 (Day 12):
Army veteran Scott Weinhold has been missing since January 21, 2019. (Photo: Jennifer Florin)
“Day 12 begins today. Each day that I wake up, I pray that today is the day that we find you. I pray that someone searching is given the guidance to locate you and bring you back to us. The search continues and I will continue to dig and get answers today! When the moments hit me, that I just can’t breathe, take another step or make another call to dig further, somehow I receive some strength! We will find you!” -Jennifer Florin, Facebook
Keep a Light on to Guide him home!! Please light a candle or keep a light on for Scott Weinhold until he is found. Here is an additional way to help. #BringScottHome
“For over a week, the family and authorities have been searching and while the governmental resources are being cut back, the family will not stop. There has been SIGNIFICANT activity by a private rescue dog in Belton Lake. The family needs a PRIVATE and QUALIFIED search diver IMMEDIATELY to dive for what may be their Warrior. PLEASE NOTE: Large Rescue organizations have been contacted and have offered and CANNOT participate if not invited by Wardens and/or Ft Hood which they have REFUSED to request. If you have any PRIVATE contacts or are certified yourself, please message us here immediately.” -Fort Hood Fallen
“Please talk about and share Scott’s story. Many people are still not aware. It only takes one witness who has seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to make a difference. Little details add up to recovery!! So please talk!!! Keep Scott in your conversations in the towns and communities around Belton Lake and definitely within a 35 miles radius.” -Fort Hood Fallen
February 5, 2019 (Day 15)
Scott Weinhold’s body recovered on Lake Belton (KCEN TV)
“Words will never adequately express our humble feelings of being entrusted with this family nor will words ever be able to convey our most sincere condolences for their immense loss. A wonderful and selfless man is gone but we will never forget. Rest Easy Scott. Till Valhalla.” -The Ft Hood Fallen
“Today, the Department of Defense released the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2017-2018…There were 117 reports of sexual assault received across all three academies. This is an increase of five from the prior academic program year, indicating confidence in response measures, however, surveyed measures of unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment increased compared to rates last measured in 2016. There was also an overall increase in sexual harassment.” Read more here. -Department of Defense (January 31, 2019)
