The 933th, 936th and 946th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachments were fulfilling their reservist duties at Fort Gordon in support of Regional Medic this July, an exercise to help refine and refresh their medical skills when lighting struck.
On July 20 lighting struck Training Area 26 on the base where the exercise was taking place. Emergency services responded to the incident immediately according to an Army press release, and injured soldiers were evacuated to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center.
Sadly, Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark expired from his wounds. Clark was an operating room specialist who had served in the reserves for 22 years and previously deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Sgt. 1st Class 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," said his commander, Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart. "Sgt. 1st Class 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. This especially hurts because not only was Sgt. 1st Class Clark one of my Soldiers, but he was my friend and brother. Our prayers are with his family.”
Eight other soldiers were treated for injuries and were last reported to be in stable condition. One of them has subsequently been discharged from the hospital.
Related
Related
Want to get more connected to the stories and resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Reach Jack Murphy: jack@connectingvets.com or @JackMurphyRGR.