Several Deaths Under Investigation?

What is going on with non-combat deaths and does any reporter care to put them together?

Army


Fort Bragg 

A Fort Bragg soldier died Tuesday after collapsing during physical training. Sgt. Robert Thornton Jr., 29, of Cairo, Georgia, was assigned to the 528th Sustainment Brigade.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WNCN) — Army officials say two soldiers were found dead in their barracks at Fort Bragg in the last few days.One soldier was found dead Thanksgiving while the second soldier died over the weekend.

A paratrooper from Florida died in his barracks on an Army base in North Carolina. The Miami Herald reports 22-year-old Spc. Carlton Butler of North Miami Beach died Saturday evening at the base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Fort Bliss

The Defense Department on Monday identified Cpl. Todd McGurn as the latest American service member to die in Iraq this month. Cpl. McGurn, a California native, died while conducting support operations for the U.S. coalition, according to a Pentagon statement. His death was tied to a “non-combat related incident” that took place in Baghdad. 

Fort Campbell

Sgt. Justin LaJoie-Grosvenor watched after her kids like he watched after his country. Two weeks after returning from Baghdad, Kaitlin said Justin took his life on November 18.

Marine Corps

Corporal Edwin Estrada, a Marine helicopter mechanic, died early Monday morning following what the Marine Corps called "an incident" in Wilmington. 

Navy 

Sailor found dead on USS John C. Stennis in Washington state Kitsap Sun Julianne Stanford Nov. 28, 2017
A 22-year-old sailor was found dead on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis on Saturday afternoon with "no obvious and apparent cause of death," according to Stennis spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Frederick Martin.
The Navy has identified the sailor as Akiree Pointer, an engineman fireman recruit from Arlington, Texas.
The command is investigating his cause of death, Martin said.read more here linked from Stars and Stripes

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A 31-year-old sailor was found dead in an Oceanfront hotel room a day before she was scheduled to report aboard the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, authorities said Friday.Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Simmons’ body was discovered in a room at the Ocean Beach Club Resort at about 3:20 p.m Wednesday, according to Virginia Beach police. 

Fourth Fort Bragg Green Beret Found After Niger Ambush

Fourth US Soldier Was Killed in Niger Ambush

FOX News
Lucas Tomlinson
October 6, 2017

Nigerien forces have discovered the body of a fourth U.S. soldier killed in an ambush earlier this week, U.S. officials told Fox News Friday.

The unidentified soldier had initially been reported missing after Wednesday's attack. Authorities feared the soldier was being held hostage by a militant group, but officials told Fox there were no signs the soldier had been kidnapped or tortured.

The other three fallen Green Berets were identified earlier Friday as decorated soldiers based out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

read more here

Widow of Fallen Fort Bragg Solider Has Enormous Gender Reveal Announcement

82nd Airborne in Afghanistan helps with gender reveal for fallen NC soldier

CBS 

North Carolina

October 6, 2017

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – The wife of a fallen Fort Bragg soldier had a little help learning the gender of her unborn child.

U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Harris, 25, was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan on August 2. His wife, Brittany, was pregnant at the time of his death.

But his fellow 82nd Airborne members helped Brittany with learning the gender of her child.

read more here

Love Story Just Beginning For Newlywed Navy SEAL After Accident

Navy SEAL embraces wife for first time since tragic accident 
FOX News 
Published July 26, 2017 

A touching video of a Navy SEAL standing and embracing his wife four months after a traumatic car accident left him with a severe brain injury has been viewed by more than 3 million people. 

Jonathan Grant, 36, was serving as a combat medic instructor at Fort Bragg at the time of the accident, according to the couple’s GoFundMe page. He suffered a diffuse axonal injury (DAI), and was in a coma for nearly two months as doctors gave him just a 10 percent chance of survival. 

His Pilates instructor wife, Laura, has stood by his side throughout his recovery, which included moving to a Richmond, Virginia, rehabilitation facility where Grant could receive intensive therapy.
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Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat Died But Left a Legacy

There are some Generals that make you cringe when they walk into a room. Then there are Generals like Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat that make you want to walk over to them and give them a big hug.

Last year at Orlando Rocks Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat was the guest speaker. He was a lot more than that when he told the crowd about his history as well as explaining how important military families are. 

He didn't stop smiling the whole day.

 

He even let us lock him up! 

Army Reserve general dies after collapsing during physical fitness training
Army Times
By: Staff
April 8, 2017

An Army Reserve major general died Friday at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, officials announced Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat collapsed Friday during individual physical training and was rushed by ambulance to Womack Army Medical Center, where medical staff pronounced him dead, according to a news release.

The 56-year-old, who was from New York City, was assigned to General Officer Support, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

He received his second star only a couple of weeks ago, on March 27. He had been selected to serve as the chief of staff for U.S. Army Reserve Command.

"Just last month I had the privilege of promoting him in a low-key ceremony at my office in Washington, D.C.," said Lt. Gen. Charles Luckey, the Army Reserve chief and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, in a statement. "This was just his style, as a soldier he was humble, never seeking recognition. He was a splendid soldier who embodied leadership, energy and a relentless spirit of execution in everything he did."
read more here

This is the video from his inspiring speech.

Fort Bragg Soldier Shot in Back by Soldier Wife

Fort Bragg soldier shot by wife during dispute, police say
Fay Observer
By Nancy McCleary, Staff writer
March 2, 2017

HOPE MILLS — A Fort Bragg soldier was shot in the back Wednesday evening during a domestic dispute with his wife, who also is an active-duty soldier, Hope Mills police said Thursday.

Officers responding to a reported shooting on the 4100 block of Edward E. Maynor Drive found Jonathan Coleman, 39, with a gunshot wound to his upper left back, Chief Joel Acciardo said in an email Thursday morning.
read more here

Fort Bragg Soldier's Death Under Investigation

82nd Airborne paratrooper dies near Fort Bragg
Army Times
By: Charlsy Panzino
February 27, 2017

A paratrooper from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died Thursday in an off-post incident, according to an Army news release.

Spc. Johnathon D. Poole, of Oxford, Iowa, was assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

The Fayetteville Police Department is investigating the incident, according to a spokesman with the 82nd Airborne Division. The nature of the incident was not announced as of mid-day Monday, and the police department did not respond immediately to Army Times' request for comment.

The 26-year-old infantryman joined the Army in February 2012 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in February 2013.
read more here

Fort Bragg Solider's Body Returns Home

HEARTBREAKING VIDEO CAPTURES FALLEN SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING
ABC 13 News
February 16, 2017

RALEIGH, N.C. (KTRK) -- They are the sniffles heard around the world.

When Lisa Williams' plane arrived at Raleigh-Durham Airport, passengers were asked to wait to let someone off the plane first.

When she looked out the window, there were several soldiers unloading a flag-draped coffin from the cargo hold. For minutes, the plane remained silent, aside from the sniffles coming from the passengers.

A woman walked over and placed her hand on the casket to say her final goodbyes, and others -- presumably family members -- joined her.

Then, seven Green Beret soldiers dressed in full uniform carried the casket off the plane and loaded it into a black hearse, paying their respects as they marched away.

Eventually, a pilot came on the intercom to thank the passengers for waiting.
read more here

Army: Green Beret dies in non-combat accident in Niger
Army Times
By: Meghann Myers
February 9, 2017

A Special Forces warrant officer has died from injuries he suffered in a vehicle accident while serving in Africa, a U.S. Army Special Operations Command spokesman confirmed to Army Times on Thursday.

Warrant Officer 1 Shawn Thomas, of 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, died Feb. 2, Lt. Col. Robert Bockholt confirmed. His death was first reported by U.S. Army W.T.F.! Moments.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Warrant Officer Thomas' family, friends and colleagues," 3rd Special Forces Group officials said in a statement.

Officials couldn't specify the type of vehicle or any other details of the accident because of the ongoing investigation, said Sgt. 1st Class Victor Aguirre, a USASOC spokesman.
read more here

Army Investigating Death of Fort Bragg Soldier Found in Woods

Army investigating death of Fort Bragg soldier 
Fay Observer 
By Amanda Dolasinski 
Staff writer 
Feb 14, 2017 Updated 2 min ago 

The Army Criminal Investigation Command is looking into the death of an 82nd Airborne Division soldier whose body was found in a wooded area more than a week ago. 

Spc. Victor Aponte-Rosado, 31, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, was found in woods near Preachers Road on Fort Bragg around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, according to Chris Grey, a spokesman for the Army's CID. Grey said someone found something suspicious in the woods and reported it. 

He declined to give any details about possible injuries or details surrounding the death. read more here

Accident in Niger Claimed Life of Special Forces Soldier

Special Forces soldier dies in accident in Niger
STARS AND STRIPES
By ALEX HORTON
Published: February 11, 2017

SAN ANTONIO — An Army Special Forces officer was killed in a non-combat accident in Niger on Feb. 2, the Army said Friday.

Warrant Officer 1 Shawn Thomas, 35, was killed in a vehicle accident in Niger, according to a statement released by U.S. Africa Command. Another soldier was injured in the accident, which occurred during a “routine administrative movement” between partner force outposts, the release stated.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time,” the Africa Command release stated.
read more here

Special Forces Soldier Turned Airman Receives Air Force Cross

Airman to receive Air Force Cross for valor in Afghanistan
Fay Observer
By Drew Brooks Military editor
Jan 19, 2017

On April 6, 2013, Baradat's actions were credited with saving the lives of more than 150 allies, both American and Afghan.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Baradat stood in an open Afghan courtyard as dirt kicked up by enemy bullets hitting the ground around him sprayed his uniform.

With members of the Special Forces team he was attached to shouting for him to take cover, Baradat instead zeroed in on the roughly 100 enemy fighters bearing down on his teammates with sniper fire, machine gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

Exposing himself to the hostile fire to better communicate with air crews overhead, Baradat orchestrated the supporting fire that would save the lives of his team and the allied forces they had been dispatched to rescue, synchronizing attacks from AC-130 and A-10 aircraft fighting back with their own barrage of fire, including 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm and 105 mm munitions and 500-pound bombs.

"I do not think that what I did that day was heroic; I was completely focused on coordinating close air support as I was trained to do in support of my team," Baradat said. "I witnessed many heroic acts from the Army Special Forces team, and I hope that they receive the recognition that they deserve. I also want to thank the A-10 and AC-130 aircrew that day. Without their support, the day would have turned out much worse."
read more here

Will Ronald A. Gray Be Executed?

Murdered woman’s sister backs execution of former soldier
By Fox News
December 30, 2016

The sister of a woman murdered more than 30 years ago in North Carolina says she and her family fully support the military’s planned execution of the woman’s killer, a former soldier.

Ronald Gray leaves a courtroom at Fort Bragg in 1988. AP

The execution would be the first by the US military in more than a half-century. A Kansas federal judge earlier this month lifted the stay of execution for the former Fort Bragg soldier, Ronald A. Gray, who is being held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Gray was convicted in military and civilian courts of raping several women and killing four, including 18-year-old Tammy Cofer Wilson. He was sentenced to death in a Fort Bragg court-martial in 1988.
read more here

Death of Fort Bragg Soldier Under Investigation

Army Investigating Soldier's Death at Fort Bragg Barracks
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
FORT BRAGG, N.C.
Nov 19, 2016

Army officials say a 21-year-old decorated soldier was found dead in his barracks at Fort Bragg.

Local media outlets report that Pfc. David Winchester, of Adamsville, Alabama, was found Wednesday. Agents with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are investigating.

The Army said in a release Friday that Winchester was a biomedical equipment specialist. He joined the Army in April 2015 and was assigned to Fort Bragg last June.
read more here

Fort Bragg Paratrooper's Death Under Investigation

Officials: Fort Bragg paratrooper who served in Iraq, Afghanistan dies off-post 
WNCN News
By CBS North Carolina
Published: November 18, 2016

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WNCN) — An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died off-post on Wednesday, Fort Bragg officials said.

Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman, 38, of Media, Pennsylvania, was an infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

Shanaman joined the Army in 1998 and served 10 combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan for a total of 36 months, Army officials said. He spent more than 11 of his 18 years in the service with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

“Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman was an American Paratrooper, a combat veteran, and a selfless servant to our Nation,” said Col. Pat Work, commander of the 2nd BCT. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
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Air Force Afghanistan Veteran Receives Silver Star

Airman receives Silver Star for battlefield bravery in Afghanistan
Air Force Times
By: Charlsy Panzino
November 4, 2016

(Photo Credit: Airman Miranda A. Loera/Air Force)

Under fire and drenched from head to toe in the frigid waters of Afghanistan's Bala Murghab River, former Airman 1st Class Benjamin Hutchins refused to leave the two soldiers who needed his help.

Hutchins, a tactical air control party airman, fought back and refused to give up on the two soldiers, who were being swept away by the river's current, until reinforcements arrived.

For his actions on that day in 2009, Hutchins on Friday was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for valor.

"It's not a medal for me," Hutchins, who is now medically retired, told Air Force Times. "It's a medal for all the other folks who are slaving away right now and doing the same stuff but not getting the recognition."

Hutchins, who was assigned to the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Brag, North Carolina, was honored Friday, exactly seven years after his actions in Afghanistan.
read more here

Green Beret Soldier's Death in Kenya Under Investigation

Fort Bragg-based Green Beret dies while serving in Kenya
Army Times
By: Meghann Myers
October 28, 2016

A memorial service for a 3rd Special Forces Group soldier is set for Saturday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, 11 days after his mysterious death while deployed to Kenya, according to his obituary.

Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Bannister, 33, was found dead of non-combat related injuries on Oct. 17, Maj. Christopher Foreman, a spokesman for 3rd Special Forces Group, told Army Times on Friday.

Bannister's remains arrived at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on Thursday. The cause of his death is under investigation, Foreman said.

The Reynoldsburg, Ohio, native spent four years as a Marine from 2003 to 2007, then re-enlisted into Special Forces in 2010, according to a 3rd Special Forces Group release.

He did two deployment to Afghanistan, the release said, earning three Bronze Star Medals -- one with the combat "V" device -- and various other awards.
read more here

Fort Bragg Whistleblower Office Special Council Servant of the Year

Well folks we have a great update to the story Army settles Womack whistleblower case with former employee 



OSC Awards Its 2016 Public Servant of the Year 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nick Schwellenbach, (202) 254-3631; nschwellenbach@osc.gov


WASHINGTON, D.C./September 29, 2016 –
This afternoon, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) honors Teresa Gilbert as its 2016 Public Servant of the Year. Ms. Gilbert was a civilian infection control analyst at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She disclosed violations of infection control policies and regulations that created a significant threat to the health and safety of members of the military and their families treated at Womack. Her disclosures resulted in improved hospital conditions and significant disciplinary action against senior leaders at Womack.

OSC gives its Public Servant of the Year to a federal whistleblower who has demonstrated exceptional courage in bringing to light a serious disclosure of wrongdoing. The award recognizes the whistleblower’s bravery and dedication to public service and furthers public understanding of the important role that whistleblowers play in holding government accountable.

As the hospital’s only board‐certified infection control specialist, Ms. Gilbert observed the use in operating rooms of unsterilized equipment, as well as other deficient infection control practices. She initially made her disclosures to the hospital, which failed to act. She then turned to the Joint Commission, a nonprofit that accredits hospitals. The Joint Commission confirmed that the hospital had 19 systemic deficiencies, including the lack of an infection control plan and a staff inadequately trained to perform their duties.

In response to the Commission’s findings, the Army began an internal investigation into the problems in April 2014. Ms. Gilbert provided information to Army investigators, including the actions taken against her after disclosing problems to the Commission. As a result of the Commission’s findings and the Army investigation, operations at the hospital were shut down for over a week, senior leadership was relieved of command, several managers were disciplined, and Ms. Gilbert’s second line supervisor was issued a reprimand. During the course of the investigation, Ms. Gilbert’s first line supervisor retaliated against her by cutting her work hours in half and engaging in other pretextual personnel actions, which culminated in her proposed removal.

Over much of 2014 and 2015, OSC investigated her case, finding no legitimate basis for Ms. Gilbert’s removal. In September 2015, the two sides reached a settlement on her whistleblower retaliation claim.

“Teresa Gilbert is a true hero whose efforts likely saved the lives of soldiers at the Womack Army Hospital in North Carolina,” said Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner. “When Ms. Gilbert became concerned about the unacceptable risk of infection at Womack, she refused to stand idly by and watch. Her tenacity and bravery should serve as an example for us all.”

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. Our basic authorities come from four federal statutes: The Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Hatch Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). OSC’s primary mission is to safeguard the merit system by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, especially reprisal for whistleblowing, and to serve as a safe channel for allegations of wrongdoing. For more information, please visit our website at www.osc.gov.

Fort Bragg Soldiers Flipping For Homeless Veterans

3 soldiers team up to provide homes for homeless vets
Fayetteville Observer
By Amanda Dolasinski Staff writer
August 7, 2016

Three specialists with an innate devotion for giving back hope to provide a special Thanksgiving for a homeless veteran - by putting their comrade in a home.

Specialists Tony Brown, Devonta Birden and Carla White - three friends who serve at units at Fort Bragg - created Southern Comfort Care Inc., a company that plans to buy property to build or renovate homes to flip for homeless veterans in Cumberland County. The company needs to raise at least $25,000 to purchase the first home by October so the family can be in for Thanksgiving.

"It's about giving back and making somebody else's life better," said Brown, president and founder of Southern Comfort Care Inc. "I'm trying to look out for people who paved the way for me."
read more here

Iraq Veteran Killed in North Carolina

Mother says man shot to death was 31-year-old Iraq war vet
WBTV 3 News
By WBTV Web Staff
Wednesday, July 6th 2016

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)
A man was shot and killed at a home in Charlotte's Wesley Heights community early Wednesday morning.

Javarius Roberts, 31 (Photo provided to WBTV by a friend)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say officers were called by a neighbor who heard commotion in an adjacent apartment on Grandin Road. When officers got to the scene at 3:18 a.m. they found 31-year-old Javaris Roberts shot. Medic pronounced the him dead on scene.

Roberts' mother identified her son on scene to WBTV, police confirmed his name around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. She said her son is a disabled veteran who fought in Iraq.

"He graduated high school and went to college and decided after one year he wanted to join the military," said Roberts' mother.

She says he was stationed at Fort Bragg before being sent overseas to Iraq.

His mother was very emotional since the family had just been together over the 4th of July weekend.
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Fort Bragg Army Reservist Faces Charges After Mosque Incident

UPDATE

Retired Army chaplain of mosque encounter: 'I never expected that'

Langford, 36, and a major in the Army Reserve on Fort Bragg, is accused of making threats against worshippers at Masjid Al-Madina.

Soldier charged in Hoke mosque incident suffers from PTSD, woman says
Fay Observer
By Michael Futch, staff writer
Updated 9 hrs ago

During his active-duty service with the Army, Langford deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2008, according to Capt. Eric Connor, a spokesman for the Army Reserve Command on Fort Bragg.

A soldier accused of making threats against worshipers in a Hoke County mosque on Thursday suffers from PTSD, a woman who identified herself as his mother said.

The soldier, Thomas Russell Langford, 36, of the 1700 block of Sykes Pond Road, is a major in the Army Reserve assigned to the G-33 Mobilization Section of the U.S. Army Reserve Command on Fort Bragg, a spokesman said.

He faces charges of ethnic intimidation, assault with a deadly weapon, stalking and other counts in the incident at the Masjid Al-Madina mosque.
read more here