U.S. Army Reserve names soldier killed in Georgia lightning strike
The U.S. Army Reserve has confirmed the soldier who died after a lightning strike at Fort Gordon on Wednesday morning was an operating room specialist participating in a training exercise.
The soldier who was killed, Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, was assigned to 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support).
Clark, 41, was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, and served in the Army and U.S. Army Reserve for more than 22 years, deploying four times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a release from the U.S. Army Reserve.
Lightning strike: 1 dead, 9 injured at Georgia military base
Here's what we know: Fort Gordon lightning strike kills 1 soldier, injures 9
“The 933rd FRSD family is devastated by the loss of our brother, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Clark," said Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart, commander, 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company. "Sgt. 1st Clark was a loving husband, father, and a patriot who deeply loved our country. His leadership, knowledge, experience, and love for his fellow Soldiers was immeasurable."
Nine other soldiers were also injured during the lightning strike at Training Area 26. The wooded area is situated on the northwest boundary of Fort Gordon near the Columbia County line.
Eight of the injured soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). They were transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center for follow-on medical care.
The 933th, 936th and 946th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachments were attending annual training in support of Regional Medic.
"Regional Medic is a training exercise for medical units to refine their processes and medical skills in field and stressful environments," according to the release. "It’s a training platform that can emulate and help units become successful in executing everything from basic warrior tasks to the full operation of medical support and performance in aspect of what that unit can do both on the battlefield and on the move."
Seven of the soldiers remain in good condition and one has been treated and released, according to the release. A soldier assigned to 7458th Medical Operational Readiness Unit, Army Reserve Medical Command, who was also serving with the Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachments, was injured but remains in good condition.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to Sgt.1st Class Clark’s unit and his family during this difficult time,” said Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command. “People are our most important asset. Sgt. 1st Class Clark was a valuable member of our Army Reserve team and we are all deeply saddened by his loss.”
Rinehart added that Clark was not just one of his soldiers, but also his friend and brother. "Sgt. 1st Clark’s smile and laughter were infectious and always brought joy to everyone around him. Words will never be able to describe how much he will be missed, but his influence on our unit and Soldiers will remain forever... Our prayers are with his family," he said.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Fort Gordon lightning strike kills Army Reserve soldier
