Indiana National Guard soldier dies at Fort Hood
INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WISH) – The Indiana National Guard says one of its soldiers has died after arriving for training at Fort Hood in Texas.
Indiana Guard officials said 43-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Mark Boner of Fort Wayne died early Saturday. The Guard didn’t release information about the circumstances of his death, saying it was under investigation.
Boner was a member of the Kokomo-based 38th Sustainment Brigade. About 250 members of the unit left last week for training at Fort Hood ahead of a deployment to Kuwait.
Guard officials say Boner was an automated logistical specialist who served in a deployment to Iraq in 2009.
Brigade commander Col. Kimberly Martindale said in a statement that Boner was admired for his love for his country and family.
Martindale, commander of the 38th Sustainment Brigade, released the following statement:
For those who knew and worked with Sgt. 1st Class Boner, he was respected and admired for his great love for his country and family, He was an inspiration to us all, always doing something for someone else and never taking credit for it. My deepest sympathy for his family at this sad and difficult time.
Gov. Eric Holcomb also released a statement:
Janet and I offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Indiana’s own Mark Boner, who lost his life yesterday at Fort Hood in Texas. Throughout his military career, Sgt. 1st Class Boner was recognized for his dedication to duty, love for family, and selfless service to his country. Words cannot express the depth of sorrow I feel for his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Hoosiers around the state join me in honoring his service and contributions to our community and our country.”