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Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, a Springfield native who was a resident of the town of Bolton in Tolland County, Connecticut, was killed when he and eight other soldiers were struck by lightning at Training Area 26 in Fort Gordon, the US Army said in a release. He was 41 years old.
Sgt. Clark served in the Army Reserve for more than 22 years and was deployed four times in Iraq and Afghanistan. Clark was also a husband and father, the release said.
"His leadership, knowledge, experience, and love for his fellow soldiers was immeasurable," said Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart. "Words will never be able to describe how much he will be missed, but his influence on our unit and Soldiers will remain forever."
The group was attending an annual training in support of Regional Medic – an exercise for medical units to sharpen their skills – when the lightening struck, the Army said.
Seven of the eight soldiers injured from the strike remain in good condition while one was treated and released, the Army said.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to Sgt.1st Class Clark’s unit and his family during this difficult time,” said Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command. “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.”
Tributes to the fallen solider poured in on social media, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Massachusetts.
"We honor his courage, his selfless service and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers as we hold them firmly in our hearts and prayers" the organization said on Facebook.
"I have heard amazing and honorable stories about you," one Facebook user commented on the US Army Reserve's Facebook post. "It has hit them all hard and I know it will be difficult for them when they all return to their post."
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