Fort Stewart officials released the names of the three soldiers killed Sunday when their Bradley fighting vehicle rolled over into water during an on-post training exercise.
Killed were Sgt. First Class Bryan Andrew Jenkins, 41, a Florida native who joined the Army Sept. 14, 2001, three days after 9/11, and had two deployments to Iraq; Cpl. Thomas Cole Walker, 22, an Ohioan who joined the Army on July 19, 2016; and Pvt. First Class Antonio Gilbert Garcia, 21, of Arizona. He began active service Sept. 5, 2018.
All three soldiers were 11Bs, the Army’s military occupational specialty for infantryman. Photos of the soldiers were not immediately available
Three other soldiers were injured in the accident, which Army officials said occurred around 3:20 a.m. Sunday. Two were treated and released, another was sent to Memorial in Savannah, according to Army officials.
All the soldiers were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, according to Army officials.
Late Sunday, 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Tony Aguto said the loss of lives was “heartbreaking.”
“Today is a heartbreaking day for the 3rd Infantry Division, and the entire Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield community, as we are all devastated after a training accident this morning on the Fort Stewart Training Area,” Aguto said. “We are extremely saddened by the loss of three Dogface Soldiers, and injuries to three more. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families affected by this tragedy.
Army officials held a press conference Monday. More on that conference to come.