U.S. Army Reserve Command confirmed that a soldier at Fort Gordon died after a lightning strike in one of their training areas late Wednesday morning.
SFC Michael Clark, 41, died as a result of injuries sustained from the strike. Nine other soldiers were injured.
Clark, from Springfield, Massachusetts, was an operation room specialist assigned to 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company, 3rd Medical Command, and had served in the Army and U.S. Army Reserve for more than 22 years, deploying four times to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“(He) 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. 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,” Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart, Clark’s company commander, said in a statement. “This especially hurts because not only was Sgt. 1st Clark one of my soldiers, but he was my friend and brother. Our prayers are with his family.”
Fort Gordon Range Control reported the lightning strike around 11 a.m., and the base’s Department of Emergency Services and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene immediately. The soldiers were taken to the medical center on base.
Of the nine injured, eight were also Army Reserve soldiers assigned to the 3rd Medical Command. Eight remain in good condition, while one has been treated and released.
According to U.S. Army Reserve Command, three Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company attachments were attending annual training in support of Regional Medic, a training exercise for medical units to refine their processes and medical skills in field and stressful environments. The 10 soldiers were injured during a training exercise.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to Sgt. 1st Class Clark’s unit and his family during this difficult time,” Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command, said in a statement. “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.”
Fort Gordon, located about 10 miles west of Augusta, is the home of the U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Army Signal Corps.
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