Mississippi soldier killed in training identified
TUPELO, MS (Mississippi News Now) -A Mississippi Army National Guard soldier was killed and three others were injured while training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
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The soldier has been identified as 24-year-old Sgt. Kyle Clayton Thomas.
The four soldiers are all assigned to the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi, and were participating in a large-scale training exercise at the base at the time of the incident.
Thomas was assigned to the Senatobia-based 2d Battalion, 198th Armored Regiment and was among 2-198 AR Soldiers conducting combat maneuver operations in a M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams Main Battle Tank. The tank was involved in a rollover incident.
The three soldiers who were injured were taken by military helicopter to the Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. Two have been released and one remains hospitalized in stable condition.
This incident remains under investigation. The 2-198 AR is a subordinate battalion within the Tupelo-based 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team and has paused operations to review safety procedures.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen Soldier’s family, friends, and fellow 2-198 AR Soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi. “The safety and security of our Soldiers and Airmen is paramount and we are working diligently to prevent any future incidents.
Governor Phil Bryant made a statement on the tragedy.
