Latest news with #ArmyAchievementMedal
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sergeant dies from wounds sustained in training accident in Hungary
A 24-year-old Army sergeant died as a result of a training accident near Camp Croft, Hungary, on June 5. Sgt. Aaron Cox, of Mabank, Texas, was an infantryman with the 'Strike' 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The sergeant died from wounds sustained during a vehicle accident during preparations for the upcoming Exercise Saber Guardian 25. The accident is under investigation. 'The loss of Sgt. Cox is a tragedy for all of us on the Strike team,' said, Col. Duke Reim, commander, 2MBCT, 101st Airborne Division. 'He was a strong soldier and leader, who quickly rose through the ranks while serving. We are in direct contact with his family, for care and support that they need during this difficult time. We would like to thank our Hungarian Allies for their prompt response and support to our soldiers.' Cox enlisted in 2021 and graduated basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being assigned to the 101st at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in 2022. The sergeant was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course and Combat Lifesaver Course. He previously deployed to Poland. The Hungary deployment was his second deployment. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Sky News AU
27-04-2025
- General
- Sky News AU
Black Hawk pilot Rebecca Lobach failed to heed flight instructor in moments before plane collision over Washington DC: report
The pilot of the military Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a passenger airplane over Washington, D.C., in January ignored instructions to change course seconds before the crash, according to a new report. The report, published by the New York Times on Sunday, detailed the Black Hawk's exchanges with air traffic controllers in the lead-up to the disaster, which left 67 people dead. According to the report, the Black Hawk pilot, Capt. Rebecca Lobach, was conducting her annual flight evaluation and her co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, was serving as her flight instructor. When air traffic controllers informed the Black Hawk that there was an airliner nearby, Lobach and Eaves acknowledged the message and requested to fly by "visual separation," a common practice that allows aircraft to avoid collisions based on their own observations rather than following instructions from air traffic control. "The Black Hawk was 15 seconds away from crossing paths with the jet. Warrant Officer Eaves then turned his attention to Captain Lobach. He told her he believed that air traffic control wanted them to turn left, toward the east river bank," the Times wrote. "Turning left would have opened up more space between the helicopter and Flight 5342, which was heading for Runway 33 at an altitude of roughly 300 feet. She did not turn left," the report said. A photo of Capt. Rebecca Lobach, posted by USA Today reporter Davis Winkie. Picture: Davis Winkie via X The Coast Guard investigates aircraft wreckage on the Potomac River on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles/ U.S. Coast Guard via Getty Images Lobach, of Durham, North Carolina, served as an aviation officer in the Army beginning in July 2019, and had around 500 hours of flying time in the Black Hawk, the Army said in a release. Lobach was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Her awards included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon, according to the Army. She was also a White House military social aide in the Biden administration. Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach (right), of Durham, North Carolina, was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and has served since July 2019, the Army have said in a statement. Picture: Supplied A crane lifts a piece of American Airlines flight 5342 from the Potomac River during recovery efforts after a midair collision with a military Black Hawk helicopter last January. Picture:/AFP The third member of the flight crew, along with Lobach and Eaves, was Staff Sgt. Ryan O'Hara. The crash instantly caused national scrutiny on air traffic control policies, with Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy opening an investigation. Duffy announced plans in March to bolster airport air traffic control systems with the latest technology over the next four years, while also using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify "hot spots" where close encounters between aircraft occur frequently. There have been 85 near-misses or close calls at Reagan National, according to a report from the National Travel Safety Board (NTSB). Close calls were identified as incidents when there are less than 200 feet of vertical separation and 1,500 feet of lateral separation between aircraft. "We're having near-misses, and if we don't change our way, we're going to lose lives," Duffy told reporters at the time. "That wasn't done. Maybe there was a focus on something other than safety, but in this administration, we are focusing on safety." Originally published as Black Hawk pilot Rebecca Lobach failed to heed flight instructor in moments before plane collision over Washington DC: report
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Fort Cavazos Soldier Gets Life in Prison After Horrific String of Attacks on Female Troops in Barracks
An Army noncommissioned officer was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison for a violent campaign of sexual assaults and physical attacks on women stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, concluding one of the most high-profile courts-martial in recent years. Sgt. Greville Clarke, 31, was convicted on 29 counts including rape, intent to commit kidnapping, attempted premeditated murder, sexual assault, indecent visual records, robbery, physical assault and obstruction of justice. The offenses, which took place between 2021 and 2022, involved five female soldiers attacked in their barracks. Additionally, Clarke was sentenced to 112.5 years on top of the life sentence, a reduction in rank to E-1, a dishonorable discharge from the Army, and a total forfeiture of pay and allowances. Read Next: 48 Hours with Marines and Soldiers on the US Southern Border "I am incredibly proud of the five survivors of Sgt. Clarke's violence for standing strong against him during trial. It has been my honor to walk with them on the journey to receive justice," Maj. Allyson Montgomery, lead prosecutor from the Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel, said in a statement released by the service. "May they now begin their lifelong paths of healing and vindication knowing their voices have ensured the accused is held accountable for his crimes." In the most recent incident on Oct. 2, 2022, according to court records, Clarke broke into a woman's barracks room, bound her hands, and blindfolded her before sexually assaulting her at gunpoint. He took photos of her naked, struck her with his gun, and stole $14,000 after taking her credit card. He attempted to force her into a footlocker to take her to another location, but she fled. In another attack, Clarke broke into a barracks room and assaulted two female soldiers while holding them at knifepoint, according to court records. He raped one of the women. In a separate incident, he hid in a woman's shower and attacked her when she got to her barracks, but she was able to flee. Clarke was apprehended in October 2022 and held in pretrial confinement. Barracks typically have virtually no security, including no cameras and, in some cases, no appropriate locks. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report found widespread deficiencies in basic safety infrastructure within barracks, including broken door locks and windows. In some instances, service members reported being unable to lock their doors and were concerned about security. Clarke was most recently assigned to the 74th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade. He joined the Army in 2017 as a bridge crewmember. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. Related: Sexual Assaults at Service Academies Are Finally Down, But Female Cadets Still Wary of Reporting
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Army sergeant found guilty in spree of barracks break-ins, rapes and attempted murder
An Army sergeant who terrorized women living in the barracks at Fort Cavazos, Texas for over a year and a half was found guilty this week of dozens of violent crimes, including rape, attempted premediated murder, and kidnapping. Sgt. Greville Clarke was convicted Tuesday by an enlisted panel at his Fort Cavazos court martial of 29 charges for crimes against five women in 2021 and 2022. Clarke was convicted of one count of attempted premeditated murder and multiple counts of other violent crimes including rape and aggravated sexual contact, battery and aggravated assault, kidnapping, burglary and robbery, indecent visual recording, and obstruction of justice, according to Michelle McCaskill, a spokesperson for the Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel which handled the case. Clarke was cleared of one charge of attempted premeditated murder. Clarke will be sentenced after witnesses have the chance to testify before the court, which could come as early as today. Clarke's defense team and Army prosecutors will also argue sentencing recommendations before the trial judge issues his sentence. Clarke faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, McCaskill said. Court documents previously reported by Task & Purpose detailed incidents of Clarke entering the Texas base barracks, attacking and holding women against their will, and threatening them with a personal gun or knife while he bound their limbs. In July 2022, Clarke pointed a loaded firearm at one woman and strangled her with a lamp cord until he thought she was dead. He had put his foot on her neck and shoved her into a footlocker to move her across base. The charge sheet stated that Clarke might have killed the woman, but she escaped. Court documents also included an incident three months later in October 2022 where Clarke threatened another woman with a firearm while he bound her hands with rope, blindfolded her and raped her. He was also charged with filming a soldier without their knowledge. The charge sheet said Clarke stole items from the barracks, like phones, keys, and wallets. Clarke also took personal items like pillows, blankets, and a comforter that he later disposed of to evade being caught because he 'had reason to believe there were or would be' criminal charges against him, according to court documents. Clarke joined the Army in September 2017 as a bridge crewmember assigned to the 36th Engineer Brigade at Fort Cavazos. His service awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. Top enlisted leader of Air Force Special Operations Command fired amid an investigation The Marine in one of the most famous recruiting commercials is now in Congress 75th Ranger Regiment wins 2025 Best Ranger Competition Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer reenlists in Marine Corps Marine in top enlisted spot leaving the Pentagon
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Army identifies three of four soldiers killed in Lithuania training accident
Three 3rd Infantry Division soldiers recovered Monday from a Lithianian bog were from Illinois, California and Guam, the Army said Tuesday afternoon. The three soldiers were Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam. All were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia. A fourth soldier was found Tuesday but the Army has not yet released their identity. 'This loss is simply devastating,' said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division. 'These men were honored soldiers of the Marne Division. We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our soldiers during [an] incredibly difficult time.' 'No words can capture the depth of sorrow or gratitude we feel for their service. To the families, please know you are not alone in your grief, as they were immensely loved by this division; we stand with you united in honoring their memory,' Norrie said. The soldiers went missing March 25 after they were dispatched to repair and tow another tactical vehicle during an exercise at the Pabradė training ground in Lithuania. It prompted a seven-day search operation with hundreds of U.S. and Lithuanian troops, radar systems, and dive teams that were gathered to help find the four missing soldiers and pull their vehicle from the swamp. Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, from Illinois, was an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer and served for over seven years. He arrived at Fort Stewart in February 2022 and was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment after previously serving with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Duenez deployed to Poland in 2021 and Germany in 2022. His awards included the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. 'Sgt. Jose Duenez will always hold a special place in our hearts. As both a leader and a soldier, he set an example every day — always the first to arrive and the last to leave, greeting every challenge with a smile and a readiness to support anyone who required assistance,' said Capt. Madyson K. Wellens, diesel forward support troop commander for the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. 'He was the definition of a silent professional.' 'We remember Jose not just for what he has done for the unit, but for the way he made us feel inspired to give our best each day,' she said. 'His legacy is a personal reminder of the leader we all aspire to be. He will forever be a part of the Diesel Family.' Sgt. Edvin Franco, 25, from California, was an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer who served for over six years. He finished initial entry training at Fort Benning, Georgia and was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment in February 2019. He served with U.S. Forces Korea in 2020 and was based in Germany in 2022. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terror Service Medal. 'Sgt. Edvin Franco's legacy will remain with us always. His infectious smile and genuine joy in being with his team were matched only by the tenacity and drive. He never asked more of his Soldiers than he was willing to give himself — a true testament to his character,' Wellens said. 'More than an exceptional leader and Soldier, Edvin was a friend whose influence touched so many.' Pfc. Dante Taitano, 21, from Guam, was an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer who had served for nearly two years. He arrived at Fort Stewart in October 2023 and was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. He completed his initial entry training at Fort Benning. Taitano was serving on his first deployment in Lithuania. He was previously awarded the Army Commendation Medal. 'Pfc. Dante Taitano will always be remembered as the spark of the team. He wore a smile on his face no matter the environment or task and constantly brought the team together with his charisma and laughter,' said Capt. Matthew Lund, a troop commander with the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. A fourth soldier who died in the training accident was found Tuesday but has not been identified by the Army, pending notification to the next of kin. The soldier was assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Approximately 3,500 soldiers deployed to locations across Poland and the Baltic states in January 2025. The nine-month deployment was part of a regular rotation of American forces in support of NATO and U.S. European allies, called Operation Atlantic Resolve. 'Sgts. Duenez, Franco, and Pfc. Taitano were more than just members of our unit, they were family, and we loved them,' said Lt. Col. Michael Hefti, commander of the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. 'They were known for being the best at their jobs and they have left a hole that cannot be replaced. As we grieve together, we will continue to honor them by showing the same type of selfless love that they demonstrated to our team every single day. Their legacy as Dogface Soldiers will live on forever in our hearts and every time we share stories and memories, their legacy will continue to live on.' Those 'Hegseth bodyguards' are actually there for the Air Force's 'Doomsday' plane Army wants junior officers to fix quality-of-life issues that drive soldiers out '100% OPSEC' apparently means texting military plans to a reporter Ranger School's new fitness test is tougher than ever, but nixes sit-ups This photo of Air Force special ops pool training is chaos. There's a reason for that.
