JULY 22, 2022 – It’s with nice unhappiness that the U.S. Army Reserve confirms that on July twentieth, one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier was killed and 9 others sustained accidents related to a lightning strike at Coaching Space 26 on Fort Gordon, Ga. throughout a coaching train.
Fort Gordon’s Division of Emergency Companies and Emergency Medical Companies responded to the scene instantly, and the Troopers had been transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Middle for follow-on medical care.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, an working room specialist assigned to 933rd Ahead Resuscitative Surgical Firm, third Medical Command (Deployment Assist), succumbed to accidents he sustained from the lightning strike. Clark, 41, a local of Springfield, Mass., served within the Army and U.S. Army Reserve for greater than 22 years, deploying 4 occasions in assist of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The 933rd FRSD household is devastated by the lack of our brother, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Clark. Sgt. 1st Class Clark was a loving husband, father, and a Patriot who deeply liked our nation. His management, data, expertise, and love for his fellow Troopers was immeasurable. Sgt. 1st Class Clark’s smile and laughter had been infectious and all the time introduced pleasure to everybody round him. Phrases won’t ever be capable of describe how a lot he can be missed, however his affect on our unit and Troopers will stay without end. This particularly hurts as a result of not solely was Sgt. 1st Class Clark certainly one of my Troopers, however he was my pal and brother. Our prayers are together with his household.” — Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart, commander, 933rd Ahead Resuscitative Surgical Firm
Of the eight different Army Reserve Troopers assigned to third Medical Command (Deployment Assist) who sustained accidents from the lightning strike, seven stay in good situation, and one has been handled and launched.
A Soldier assigned to 7458th Medical Operational Readiness Unit, Army Reserve Medical Command, was additionally serving with the Ahead Resuscitative Surgical Detachments, and sustained accidents from the lightning strike. The Soldier stays in good situation.
The 933th, 936th and 946th Ahead Resuscitative Surgical Detachments had been attending annual coaching in assist of Regional Medic. Regional Medic is a coaching train for medical items to refine their processes and medical abilities in subject and irritating environments.
It’s a coaching platform that may emulate and assist items change into profitable in executing the whole lot from primary warrior duties to the total operation of medical assist and efficiency in facet of what that unit can do each on the battlefield and on the transfer.
“We lengthen our honest sympathies to Sgt.1st Class Clark’s unit and his household throughout this tough time,” mentioned Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding Normal of U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Persons are our most vital asset. Sgt. 1st Class Clark was a worthwhile member of our Army Reserve workforce and we’re all deeply saddened by his loss.”
For extra info particular to Fort Gordon, the coaching space and response, please contact the Fort Gordon Garrison Public Affairs Workplace at nancy.a.bourget2.civ@military.mil or (706)791-6011.
Story by John Bradley
U.S. Army Reserve Command
