Two soldiers from the Georgia National Guard tragically passed away in Iraq on Wednesday in incidents the U.S. Army has deemed as noncombat-related. Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, aged 23 from Douglasville, lost his life in Baghdad following an incident in a different location. Pameni was a member of the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment stationed in Lawrenceville, which commenced a mission in the Middle East in April.
In a separate event, Spc. Owen James Elliott, also 23 years old, from Twin City, died in Baghdad. Elliott was part of the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment based in Savannah, which began a deployment in the Middle East in December, focusing on air defense artillery. The Army is currently looking into both soldiers’ deaths, affirming there is no suspicion of foul play.
Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, who serves as the commander and Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Spc. Pameni and Spc. Elliott, acknowledging their selfless dedication to serving the state and the nation. General Wilson extended heartfelt prayers and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the departed soldiers. The Georgia National Guard has chosen not to provide any further statements on the matter.
