FORT BENNING, Ga., (Aug.12, 2015) --A Fort Benning Soldier died Aug. 3, while swimming at Smith Fitness Center Pool on main post.
The Soldier, identified as Pfc. Hank L. Brown, 19, was off duty and at the pool during recreational swim time when the incident occurred. The incident is under investigation, as is policy in the event an accident injury or tragedy of this nature.
Brown, who hailed from McAlester, Oklahoma, joined the Army in June 2014 and was an Infantryman who went through Basic Training, Advanced Infantry Training and Basic Airborne Training at Fort Benning. In Oct 2014, Brown was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade.
Brown worked as an Opposing Force Specialist with 4th Battalion, supporting the Ranger School Program of Instruction. He provided an OPFOR signature on Ranger Objectives - consisting of reconnaissance and ambushes - and attacked the Ranger patrols, testing their ability to react to contact.
"Brown helped provide Ranger students with tough, realistic training under adverse conditions in order to develop them into better leaders," said Capt. Micah Pawlata, HHC commander. "In order to accomplish these tasks, Brown had to be excellent at land navigation and have a solid understanding of small unit tactics. He far surpassed expectations in all aspects of his duties and set a very high standard for others to follow."
"Brown was the epitome of a 'hard charger,'" Pawlata said. "In addition to professionally executing each of his duties, he was frequently pursuing opportunities to better himself and become a better asset to the Army. A testament to his determination to achieve, he was selected to attend the U.S. Army Ranger Course in September 2015, an opportunity rarely afforded to someone with such little time in the Army."
"Brown was the type of Soldier who could brighten your day just by being around him and witnessing his tenacity and grit," Pawlata said. "He truly embodied the concepts we live by in the Ranger community such as intestinal fortitude, placing the mission first and never accepting defeat."
During his personal time, Brown was an avid video gamer, blade collector and amateur mechanic, who enjoyed rebuilding his Mustang and an old Camaro.
Col. David Fivecoat, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade commander added his condolences. "The thoughts and prayers of the ARTB and the entire Fort Benning community are with the Brown family during this exceptionally challenging time," Fivecoat said.
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