Fort Hood Army Sgt. Calvin Aguilar Found Dead in Copperas Cove, Texas (August 4, 2016)

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Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, U.S. Army

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, 32, was found dead in Copperas Cove, Texas on August 4, 2016. Sgt. Aguilar’s home of record is listed as Hayward, California and he joined the Army in October 2006. Sgt. Aguilar was a working dog handler assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade at Fort Hood. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2007 to March 2009 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from January 2012 to January 2013. He was married with one daughter and the proud owner of Nico, a military working dog he was reunited with. At the time of the Fort Hood press release, the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.

Sgt. Aguilar was the kind of person you can only hope to encounter once in your life. He wore many hats: brother, friend, counselor, drinking buddy, designated driver, wingman, jokester. He was the calming presence in the midst of chaos. He had a sixth sense about it: he knew when you were off your game and he would do anything in his power to make you right again. –Obituary

“Retiring MWD Nico P432 (U.S. Army) is reunited with battle buddy SGT. Calvin Aguilar. After serving together in Afghanistan, they were apart for one year. Aguilar adopted Nico, and Mission K9 Rescue raised the funds for Nico to be shipped from Weisbaden, Germany to Texas.”

Related Links:
Obituary: Sgt. Calvin W. Aguilar
A canine’s farewell: Soldiers pay tribute to faithful working dog
It’s a dog’s life after Army retirement
It’s a dog’s life after Army retirement
‘Every one of them is a hero’: Group helps working dogs retire with dignity
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood officials ID soldier found dead in Copperas Cove
Fort Hood announces death of a soldier in Cove
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead identified
Deceased Fort Hood Soldier Identified
Fort Hood military police sergeant found dead
Ft. Hood identifies Soldier found unresponsive last week
Army to investigate mistreatment claims by injured, ill soldiers at Fort Hood
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)
Reunion of MWD Nico P432 and his former handler, Calvin Aguilar, together again (YouTube)

Fort Hood Army Spc. Logan Rainwater Died From Injuries Sustained in a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Killeen, Texas; Other Driver Failed to Yield Right of Way (August 1, 2016)

Logan Rainwater
Spc. Logan Rainwater, U.S. Army

“Killeen Police identified 24-year-old Logan Ellis Rainwater as the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred at the intersection of Clear Creek Road and Janelle Drive in Killeen, Texas on August 1, 2016. Authorities reported that at around 9:15 a.m., the 72-year-old driver of an SUV was traveling southbound on Clear Creek Road when he or she attempted to turn onto Janelle Drive. However, the driver of the SUV failed to yield right-of-way and struck a northbound motorcycle, driven by Rainwater. According to Killeen PIO Ofelia Miramontez, Rainwater was ejected in the collision and the bike struck a white Nissan 370Z at the stop sign. Rainwater was transported to Metroplex Hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:42 a.m. The driver of the SUV was taken to the same hospital with non-life threatening injuries. According to police, the driver of the SUV will likely be ticketed for failing to yield the right of way. It is unknown if the driver will face more-serious charges such as vehicular manslaughter, however the accident is still under investigation.” –Texas Car Accident News (August 3, 2016)

Related Links:
Obituary: Logan Ellis Rainwater
Obituary: Logan Ellis Rainwater
Fort Hood soldier dies in motorcycle crash
Fort Hood identifies soldier killed in Killeen crash
Motorcyclist killed in Monday accident identified as Fort Hood soldier
Man Killed in Killeen Motorcycle Collision Was a Fort Hood Soldier
Motorcyclist killed in Killeen crash indentified as Fort Hood soldier
Man killed in fatal motorcycle crash was Fort Hood soldier
Logan Rainwater Killed in a Motorcycle Wreck in Killeen, TX
Memorial service held for First Team trooper
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Fort Hood Army Spc. Alexander Johnson Found Dead Near Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area Paintball Court in Texas (July 12, 2016)

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Spc. Alexander Johnson, U.S. Army

Army Spc. Alexander Johnson, 21, was found dead near the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area’s paintball court at Fort Hood on July 12, 2016. Spc. Johnson’s home of record is listed as Mulberry, Florida and he entered military service in July 2013. Spc. Johnson was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter repairer assigned to the 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. At the time of Spc. Johnson’s death, Fort Hood officials indicated the incident was under investigation. The circumstances surrounding his death and official cause of death are unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary: SPC. Alexander “Alex” Johnson
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood announces death of soldier
Fort Hood soldier found dead near BLORA
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead at BLORA identified
Fort Hood IDs soldier found dead near recreation area
Fort Hood releases name of Soldier found dead at Belton Lake paintball court
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Dougal Mitchell Died From Injuries Suffered in an Automobile Accident in Georgetown, Texas; Accident Claimed Two Lives (June 11, 2016)

Dougal Mitchell
Sgt. Dougal Mitchell, U.S. Army

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Dougal Mitchell, 32, died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident in Georgetown, Texas on June 11, 2016. According to the Killeen Daily Herald, the automobile accident resulted in the death of two people. Sgt. Mitchell’s home of record is listed as Palmdale, California and he enlisted in the Army in September 2002. Sgt. Mitchell was a petroleum supply specialist with the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. Sgt. Mitchell deployed five times: once to United Arab Emirates, three times to Kuwait, and once to Iraq. Sgt. Mitchell’s awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, two Kuwait Defense Service Medals, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and five Overseas Service Ribbons.

Related Links:
Obituary: Sgt Dougal Mitchell
Greywolf Brigade honors SGT Dougal Mitchell
Fort Hood IDs soldier killed in car crash
Fort Hood identifies soldier killed auto accident
Fort Hood soldier dies after car accident in Georgetown
Fort Hood: Soldier dies of injuries from traffic accident
Dougal Mitchell died in a Georgetown, TX car accident
Sgt. Dougal Mitchell Killed in Georgetown, TX Accident
Details surface in June crash that killed 2
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)

Army Spc. Bernardino Guevara, Jr. Found Dead from Gunshot Wound in Parking Lot Near the Sportsmen’s Center at Fort Hood, Texas (June 6, 2016)

Bernardino Guevara
Spc. Bernardino Guevara, Jr., U.S. Army (photo: Gun Memorial)

Army Spc. Bernardino Guevara Jr., 21, died from a gunshot wound in a parking lot near the Sportsmen’s Center at Fort Hood, Texas on June 6, 2016. Spc. Guevara’s home of record is listed as Roxbury, Massachusetts. He entered active-duty service in September 2014 as a Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator. Spc. Guevara was assigned to 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Hood since March 2016. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Related Links:
Obituary: Bernardino Guevara Jr.
Death of Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood IDs soldier who died from gunshot wound
Soldier found dead at Sportsmen’s Center on post identified
Soldier who died of gunshot wound at Sportsmen’s Center identified
Officials: Fort Hood soldier who died from apparent gunshot wound was from Roxbury
Fort Hood soldier from Massachusetts dies from gunshot wound
Soldier From Roxbury Dies From Apparent Gunshot Wound At Fort Hood
Why flags will be at half staff: Saturday, June 18
Col. Andrew Poznick, One of Too Many Fort Hood
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
Bernardino Guevara Jr., age 21 | Gun Memorial

Army SFC Antino Glass Died in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident After Hitting Livestock on Fort Hood in Texas (June 5, 2016)

Antino Glass
SFC Antino Glass, U.S. Army

Army SFC Antino Glass, 34, died on his way home from training duties on June 5, 2016 when his motorcycle struck livestock on Fort Hood in Texas. SFC Glass’ home of record is listed as New Orleans, Louisiana. He enlisted in the Army in 2002 and served with the 2nd Battalion, 291st Infantry Regiment at Fort Hood since 2015. He deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. SFC Glass earned the Purple Heart Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Action Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Wheeled Vehicle Bar, and other honors and decorations.

Related Links:
Obituary: Antonio Michael Glass
Fort Hood IDs soldier killed in motorcycle wreck
Fort Hood Soldier Killed in Motorcycle Crash
Motorcyclist dead after hitting livestock on Fort Hood
Decorated Fort Hood soldier dies in motorcycle crash
Highly-decorated soldier named as motorcycle accident victim near Fort Hood
In Memory of U.S. Army SFC Antino Glass | Freedom Isn’t Free
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)

On This Day, Army Pvt. Eddy Gates Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

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Pvt. Eddy Gates, US Army

Army Pvt. Eddy Raelaurin Gates, 20, whose home of record is listed as Dunn, North Carolina, entered active-duty military service in December 2015 as a motor transport operator and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since April 2016. Gates’s awards and decorations include a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Learn more from III Corps and Fort Hood Facebook page here.

For more information: On This Day, Eight Army Soldiers & One West Point Cadet Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX):

Mr. Speaker, Texas has been hammered by historic torrential rain and flooding. As the Texas floodwaters rose, 12 soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, were crossing Owl Creek in a 21⁄2-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle when it became stuck in the Owl Creek low water crossing.

Suddenly, the vehicle was swept over and sent downstream by fast-moving water. Nine American soldiers drowned in the massive flood waters. Today, we remember them, and here they are: Staff Sergeant Miguel Colon Vazquez, 38, from New York.

He had just spent four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; Specialist Christine Armstrong, 27, of California; PFC Brandon Banner, 22, of Florida; PFC Zachery Fuller, 23, of Florida; Private Isaac Deleon, 19, of Texas. He was the youngest of all of them.

He had only been in the Army for 17 months; Private Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of North Carolina—a former homecoming queen; Private Tysheena James, 21, of New Jersey; West Point cadet Mitchell Winey, 21, of Indiana; Specialist Yingming Sun, 25, of California. These are the nine who drowned recently in the Texas floods.

The soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. These American soldiers were volunteers who swore to protect the United States.

They were a cut above the rest and were ready to defend freedom at home and abroad. Their lives were ripped from this world and their families all too soon. We are grateful for them and their families for their service and their sacrifices.

These soldiers are the best of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families, who have been devastated by the floods of Texas this spring.

Related Links:
Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates Obituary
PV2 Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates (1995-2016)
Flash flooding kills 9 | Fort Hood Sentinel
The Faces of the Fort Hood Tragedy
Profiles of the Fort Hood Soldiers Tragically Killed By Texas Flooding
Fort Hood Flood Victims: Photos to Remember the Fallen Soldiers
Fort Hood memorial held for drowned soldiers
Community mourns soldiers killed in accident
Thousands honor Fort Hood fallen Soldiers
Congresswoman confirms soldier involved in training accident
Fort Hood soldier who died in Texas flooding identified by family
Triton High School alumna among 9 killed in Fort Hood floods
North Carolina soldier among those killed in Fort Hood floods
Fort Hood soldier’s body makes trip home to NC, family
Soldier killed in Fort Hood buried in North Charleston
Fort Hood soldier killed in flooding laid to rest in North Charleston
Thousands attend funeral for NC soldier who was an ‘extraordinary young lady’
Fallen soldiers honored with flowers on Fort Hood
1 year since 9 died at Fort Hood
9 remembered on anniversary of deaths
Fort Hood: Anniversary of deaths of 9 soldiers passes quietly
Families remember the 9 who died in 2016 training accident
Families continue to grieve one year after nine die in flooding on Fort Hood
‘They never should have been out there’: Fort Hood soldier’s father struggles to understand deadly disaster
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
The Fort Hood Nine | Ted Poe | Medium
The Fort Hood, Texas, Nine | Congressman Ted Poe

On This Day, Army Pvt. Tysheena James Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Tysheena James
Pvt. Tysheena James, US Army

Army Pvt. Tysheena Lynette James, 21, whose home of record is listed as Jersey City, New Jersey, entered active-duty military service in November 2015 as a motor transport operator and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since April 2016. James’s awards and decorations include a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Learn more from III Corps and Fort Hood Facebook page here.

For more information: On This Day, Eight Army Soldiers & One West Point Cadet Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX):

Mr. Speaker, Texas has been hammered by historic torrential rain and flooding. As the Texas floodwaters rose, 12 soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, were crossing Owl Creek in a 21⁄2-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle when it became stuck in the Owl Creek low water crossing.

Suddenly, the vehicle was swept over and sent downstream by fast-moving water. Nine American soldiers drowned in the massive flood waters. Today, we remember them, and here they are: Staff Sergeant Miguel Colon Vazquez, 38, from New York.

He had just spent four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; Specialist Christine Armstrong, 27, of California; PFC Brandon Banner, 22, of Florida; PFC Zachery Fuller, 23, of Florida; Private Isaac Deleon, 19, of Texas. He was the youngest of all of them.

He had only been in the Army for 17 months; Private Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of North Carolina—a former homecoming queen; Private Tysheena James, 21, of New Jersey; West Point cadet Mitchell Winey, 21, of Indiana; Specialist Yingming Sun, 25, of California. These are the nine who drowned recently in the Texas floods.

The soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. These American soldiers were volunteers who swore to protect the United States.

They were a cut above the rest and were ready to defend freedom at home and abroad. Their lives were ripped from this world and their families all too soon. We are grateful for them and their families for their service and their sacrifices.

These soldiers are the best of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families, who have been devastated by the floods of Texas this spring.

Related Links:
Tysheena Lynette James | Jersey City, New Jersey (2016)
Flash flooding kills 9 | Fort Hood Sentinel
NJ Private Dies in Fort Hood Exercise
N.J. soldier identified as victim in Fort Hood training accident
Soldier from Jersey City among 9 dead at Fort Hood
N.J. soldier dies in Fort Hood training exercise
Jersey City soldier from Fort Hood among nine who died in Texas flooding
New Jersey Woman, 21, Among 9 Soldiers Killed At Fort Hood
2 Local Residents Among 9 Fort Hood Soldiers Killed in Training Accident : Records
Funeral held for soldier killed in training accident
Funeral held for soldier killed in training accident
Funeral Saturday for New Jersey soldier killed in Fort Hood accident
Funeral held for New Jersey soldier killed in Fort Hood training accident
Funeral held for soldier killed in Fort Hood training accident
Funeral held for Jersey City soldier killed in training accident
Funeral Held For Tysheena James, Fort Hood Soldier Killed In Texas Floods
Mother of soldier killed in Fort Hood flooding remembers daughter
Remembering the Life and Memory of… PV2 Tysheena Lynette James
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 207 | State of New Jersey
Governor Christie Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Army Private Tysheena James
New Jersey, Brooklyn families of Fort Hood soldiers killed in flood fondly recall loved ones, but still struggle with grief
The Faces of the Fort Hood Tragedy
Profiles of the Fort Hood Soldiers Tragically Killed By Texas Flooding
Fort Hood Flood Victims: Photos to Remember the Fallen Soldiers
Fort Hood memorial held for drowned soldiers
Community mourns soldiers killed in accident
Thousands honor Fort Hood fallen Soldiers
Fallen soldiers honored with flowers on Fort Hood
1 year since 9 died at Fort Hood
9 remembered on anniversary of deaths
Fort Hood: Anniversary of deaths of 9 soldiers passes quietly
Families remember the 9 who died in 2016 training accident
Families continue to grieve one year after nine die in flooding on Fort Hood
‘They never should have been out there’: Fort Hood soldier’s father struggles to understand deadly disaster
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
The Fort Hood Nine | Ted Poe | Medium
The Fort Hood, Texas, Nine | Congressman Ted Poe

On This Day, Army Pfc. Zachery Fuller Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Zachery Fuller
Pfc. Zachery Fuller, US Army

Army Pfc. Zachery Nathaniel Fuller, 23, whose home of record is listed as Palmetto, Florida, entered active-duty military service in November 2015 as a motor transport operator and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since April 2016. Fuller’s awards and decorations include a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Learn more from III Corps and Fort Hood Facebook page here.

For more information: On This Day, Eight Army Soldiers & One West Point Cadet Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX):

Mr. Speaker, Texas has been hammered by historic torrential rain and flooding. As the Texas floodwaters rose, 12 soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, were crossing Owl Creek in a 21⁄2-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle when it became stuck in the Owl Creek low water crossing.

Suddenly, the vehicle was swept over and sent downstream by fast-moving water. Nine American soldiers drowned in the massive flood waters. Today, we remember them, and here they are: Staff Sergeant Miguel Colon Vazquez, 38, from New York.

He had just spent four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; Specialist Christine Armstrong, 27, of California; PFC Brandon Banner, 22, of Florida; PFC Zachery Fuller, 23, of Florida; Private Isaac Deleon, 19, of Texas. He was the youngest of all of them.

He had only been in the Army for 17 months; Private Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of North Carolina—a former homecoming queen; Private Tysheena James, 21, of New Jersey; West Point cadet Mitchell Winey, 21, of Indiana; Specialist Yingming Sun, 25, of California. These are the nine who drowned recently in the Texas floods.

The soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. These American soldiers were volunteers who swore to protect the United States.

They were a cut above the rest and were ready to defend freedom at home and abroad. Their lives were ripped from this world and their families all too soon. We are grateful for them and their families for their service and their sacrifices.

These soldiers are the best of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families, who have been devastated by the floods of Texas this spring.

Related Links:
Flash flooding kills 9 | Fort Hood Sentinel
The Faces of the Fort Hood Tragedy
Profiles of the Fort Hood Soldiers Tragically Killed By Texas Flooding
Fort Hood Flood Victims: Photos to Remember the Fallen Soldiers
Fort Hood memorial held for drowned soldiers
Community mourns soldiers killed in accident
Thousands honor Fort Hood fallen Soldiers
Palmetto man dies in Fort Hood training accident
Palmetto soldier dies in Fort Hood accident
Fort Hood accident claims life of Army soldier from Palmetto
Local soldier killed in training exercise loved the Army
Friends remember Raleigh soldier killed in Fort Hood crash
Fallen soldier to return to Palmetto
Fallen soldier returns home
SNN: Fallen Soldier Returns Home
Body of U.S. Army Pfc. Zachery Fuller returns home
Body of U.S. Army Pfc. Zachery Fuller returns to Palmetto on Thursday
Funeral service Saturday for Pfc Zachery Fuller
Memorial held for fallen Palmetto soldier
PFC Zachery Fuller services
Fallen soldiers honored with flowers on Fort Hood
1 year since 9 died at Fort Hood
9 remembered on anniversary of deaths
Fort Hood: Anniversary of deaths of 9 soldiers passes quietly
Families remember the 9 who died in 2016 training accident
Families continue to grieve one year after nine die in flooding on Fort Hood
‘They never should have been out there’: Fort Hood soldier’s father struggles to understand deadly disaster
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
The Fort Hood Nine | Ted Poe | Medium
The Fort Hood, Texas, Nine | Congressman Ted Poe

On This Day, Army Pvt. Isaac Deleon Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Isaac Deleon
Pvt. Isaac Deleon, US Army

Army Pvt. Isaac Lee Deleon, 19, whose home of record is listed as San Angelo, Texas, entered active-duty military service in November 2015 as a motor transport operator and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since April 2016. Deleon’s awards and decorations include a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Learn more from III Corps and Fort Hood Facebook page here.

For more information: On This Day, Eight Army Soldiers & One West Point Cadet Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX):

Mr. Speaker, Texas has been hammered by historic torrential rain and flooding. As the Texas floodwaters rose, 12 soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, were crossing Owl Creek in a 21⁄2-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle when it became stuck in the Owl Creek low water crossing.

Suddenly, the vehicle was swept over and sent downstream by fast-moving water. Nine American soldiers drowned in the massive flood waters. Today, we remember them, and here they are: Staff Sergeant Miguel Colon Vazquez, 38, from New York.

He had just spent four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; Specialist Christine Armstrong, 27, of California; PFC Brandon Banner, 22, of Florida; PFC Zachery Fuller, 23, of Florida; Private Isaac Deleon, 19, of Texas. He was the youngest of all of them.

He had only been in the Army for 17 months; Private Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of North Carolina—a former homecoming queen; Private Tysheena James, 21, of New Jersey; West Point cadet Mitchell Winey, 21, of Indiana; Specialist Yingming Sun, 25, of California. These are the nine who drowned recently in the Texas floods.

The soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. These American soldiers were volunteers who swore to protect the United States.

They were a cut above the rest and were ready to defend freedom at home and abroad. Their lives were ripped from this world and their families all too soon. We are grateful for them and their families for their service and their sacrifices.

These soldiers are the best of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families, who have been devastated by the floods of Texas this spring.

Related Links:
PVT Isaac Lee Deleon (1997-2016)
Flash flooding kills 9 | Fort Hood Sentinel
The Faces of the Fort Hood Tragedy
Profiles of the Fort Hood Soldiers Tragically Killed By Texas Flooding
Fort Hood Flood Victims: Photos to Remember the Fallen Soldiers
Fort Hood memorial held for drowned soldiers
Community mourns soldiers killed in accident
Thousands honor Fort Hood fallen Soldiers
San Angelo soldier killed in Fort Hood training accident
Soldier from San Angelo Among Dead in Fort Hood Drowning Incident
San Angelo soldier among those killed in Fort Hood training accident
Central HS graduate one of the soldiers killed in Fort Hood training incident
Family Remembers 19-Year-Old Isaac DeLeon
Fiance remembers San Angelo soldier killed during training
Fort Hood Soldier’s Fiancée Is Planning Funeral Instead of Wedding
Fallen soldiers honored with flowers on Fort Hood
1 year since 9 died at Fort Hood
9 remembered on anniversary of deaths
Fort Hood: Anniversary of deaths of 9 soldiers passes quietly
Families remember the 9 who died in 2016 training accident
Families continue to grieve one year after nine die in flooding on Fort Hood
‘They never should have been out there’: Fort Hood soldier’s father struggles to understand deadly disaster
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
The Fort Hood Nine | Ted Poe | Medium
The Fort Hood, Texas, Nine | Congressman Ted Poe