7th Special Forces Group soldier struck and killed by falling tree in weather-related training accident

Special to the Northwest Florida Daily News/USA TODAY NETWORK
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CRESTVIEW — A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier died in a weather-related incident at Yonah Mountain near Dahlonega, Georgia, on Tuesday.

Staff Sgt. George L. Taber, 30, of Saint Mary, was struck by a fallen tree during a weather-induced pause in training at the U.S. Army's Ranger School. Taber was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.

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"We're extremely saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. George Taber," said Col. Kevin Trujillo, the 7th Group's commander. "We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. He was an exemplary soldier and Green Beret and he will be sorely missed."

Staff Sgt. George L. Taber
Staff Sgt. George L. Taber

Taber joined the Army in March 2017 and completed Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2018 and continued through the special forces pipeline, completing the Special Forces Combat Medic Course, Military Freefall Parachutist Course and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape course before being assigned to the 7th Group at Eglin Air Force Base.

"Our battalion is devastated by the loss of our teammate," said Lt. Col. Brockton Hershberger, commander of the 2nd Battalion. "Staff Sgt. Taber was an outstanding soldier and a model Green Beret. Our top priority is to support his family in any way we can."

Taber's military awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal (10LC), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Basic Parachutist Badge and the Military Freefall Parachutist Badge.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: 7th SFG soldier dies in weather-related training accident in Georgia