BOISE, Idaho — A Nevada Army National Guard soldier who was serving as part of a brigade headquartered in Boise died in a tank rollover, the Idaho National Guard announced Wednesday.
The accident involving an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank happened Tuesday night at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
The soldier, Staff Sgt. David W. Gallagher, 51, of Las Vegas, was a member of the Nevada Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 221st Cavalry Regiment, of Las Vegas.
Three other Nevada Army Guard Soldiers, Sgt. Christian Tijerina, 27, of Las Vegas, Pfc. Brandon Fuka, 20, of Las Vegas, and Pfc. Zachary Little, 19, of Las Vegas, were treated at Weed Army Community Hospital at Fort Irwin and were released.
The regiment is part of the Boise-based 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. It includes battalions from Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Oregon.
"We are saddened by the events that happened to our soldiers at Fort Irwin,"
Nevada Army National Guard Chief of Staff Col. Cory Schulz said. "Sgt Gallagher was a motivated, dedicated non-commissioned officer who will be greatly missed. As soldiers we strive every day to live up to the example set by him. Again, our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones."
The squadron was participating in a month-long series of combat exercises at Fort Irwin when the accident occurred.
Gallagher was promoted posthumously to the rank of Sgt. First Class.
The accident is under investigation.
