![]() It had been typical day in basic combat training: first, physical training then breakfast. "I know all four of them are somewhere looking down smiling today." "Not a day goes by that I don't think about each and every one of them," said McCrossen, his voice breaking. McCrossen said it seemed like yesterday that they were young and full of life. The attendees were then invited to speak including original battery member Charles McCrossen. "Our sons and daughters, who serve our nation, are precious whether they serve 24 hours or 24 years." "On that fateful day in September 1989, families and friends, our Army and our nation, lost precious treasures," Bowyer said. Richard Bowyer, commander of the 434th FA, welcomed the visitors during the half-hour ceremony. Edward Zastrow, 18, Lester Prairie, Minn. Turning leaves rustled in the trees in the cool, breezy morning as the names of the victims were read: Drill Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) Scottie Harris, Rockmart, Ga. These families are gathered to remember the potential of the lives of the Soldiers as well as "to remember the moment that we will immortalize forever," said Ward, of the 95th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception), 434th Field Artillery Brigade. They were joined by another dozen people from across America, who had been touched by the tragedy.Ĭhaplain (Maj.) Jimmy Ward began the ceremony with a prayer. ![]() McCain, who is retired school teacher, and his wife, Mavis, along with family members made the 13-hour drive from Waynesboro, Miss. "It's still unbelievable," said Jim McCain, Jimmy's father, referring to the accident. 28, at the site of the accident for a remembrance ceremony. Another two dozen Soldiers were injured.Īfter 20 years, Soldiers from the battery, family, friends and Fort Sill leaders, gathered Sept. McCain and two other trainees were killed and a drill sergeant later died from his injuries. Morale was high as training was winding down.Īll of that changed when an overcharged, errant artillery round fired from a distant training area struck the battery Sept. He and his fellow trainees in A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 80th Field Artillery, were in their seventh week of training and had just eight days left.
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