The 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office has sad news to report:
A 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division Soldier was killed during a training exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., June 21.
The Soldier has been identified as Pfc. Andrew J. Sass, 23, of Fremont, N.C.
Sass was an infantryman assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.
Sass entered military service in May 2013 and attended One Station Unit Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B (Infantryman) at Fort Benning, Ga. He arrived to 2-2 SBCT at JBLM in Oct. 2013. He had not served on an overseas deployment.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
"[This is] a true loss to the Lancer team. He was a husband, warrior, and true friend to all. He will be missed, but we will not forget him," said Col. Louis A. Zeisman, commander of the 2-2 SBCT.
The incident is currently under investigation.
The 2-2 SBCT deployed to the NTC in early June to conduct a month-long training exercise.