A 19-year-old paratrooper was killed Thursday during a training exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Bragg officials announced Saturday.
Pvt. Joshua D. Phillips, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, and 2nd Brigade Combat team 82nd Airborne Division.
Officials said the incident, which occurred at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fork Polk, is currently under investigation.
“The entire battalion was shocked to hear the tragic news of Pvt. Phillips’ death,” Lt. Col. Andrew Liffring, 37th Engineer Battalion commander said in a statement on Saturday. “Since his arrival a couple of months ago, josh made an immediate impact in Alpha company and in the battalion. He showed so much potential at such a young age and will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences remain with his family and friends during this time of great loss.”
Mr. Phillips joined the army in August 2014 and his awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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