FORT STEWART, Ga. — Soldiers of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were honored Nov. 5 for their tremendous courage and decisive response to an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart last year.
Sgt. Aaron Turner and Sgt. Michael Boron, both assigned to the 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd ABCT, received the Army’s highest non-combat award — the Soldier’s Medal — presented by Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle and Gen. Christopher LaNeve, vice chief of staff and acting chief of staff of the Army.
The actions of these noncommissioned officers helped stop the threat, save lives and prevent further casualties, demonstrating the readiness, resilience and commitment to protecting fellow Soldiers that define the 3rd Infantry Division.
“When the shots rang out, these two sergeants didn’t hesitate,” Telle said in his remarks during the ceremony. “At extreme personal risk, they confronted, tackled and restrained an active shooter. They absorbed the danger so their teammates wouldn’t have to. That level of courage cannot be taught in a classroom. It’s a testament to who they are as men, as soldiers, and as American heroes.”
Following the presentation of the Soldier’s Medal, Telle and LaNeve also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal to six other Soldiers for their actions in protecting and assisting members of the 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd ABCT, during the incident: Capt. Shailesh Nakarmi, 1st Lt. Kendarious Nixon, Sgt. 1st Class Luis Garza, Staff Sgt. Jalen Davis, Staff Sgt. Raudy Javier and Spc. Gavin Brebnor. The Army's subsequent recognition of additional Soldiers following the conclusion of the court martial further highlights the courage and professionalism demonstrated by members of the unit.
“These Soldiers embodied the warrior mindset. Faced with immediate danger, they neutralized the threat and protected their team,” said LaNeve. “Their courage and resolve represent the very best of what it means to be an American Soldier.”
The ceremony, held at Fort Stewart, hosted more than 500 personnel from across the division, demonstrating the formation’s collective support for the Soldiers being recognized and the lasting impact of their actions. The presence of leaders, fellow Soldiers and members of the division underscored the importance of standing together, honoring courage and recognizing those who put the safety of others first.
Maj. Gen. John Lubas, commanding general of 3rd Infantry Division, emphasized the importance of the Soldiers' immediate response and their efforts to provide medical aid.
“I'm incredibly proud of the Soldiers and how they reacted on the sixth, the actions they took directly saved the lives of their fellow Soldiers; it's an important day for the division,” said Maj. Gen. Lubas. “What we saw with the Soldiers we're recognizing today, everybody did what they've been trained to do — they reacted to the threat, and then they cared for their fellow Soldiers.”
The shooting occurred when an assailant opened fire on fellow Soldiers in the 2nd ABCT complex. Five Soldiers were wounded during the incident, prompting an installation lockdown and an immediate response from Soldiers and emergency personnel from across the region. When gunfire erupted in the 2nd ABCT complex, Soldiers immediately responded to protect those around them. Turner and Boron helped restrain the shooter, while other Soldiers moved to provide immediate medical aid to the wounded, demonstrating the importance of training, discipline and decisive action under pressure.
“You are a Soldier every day, not just when you are deployed,” said Boron. “We must all be prepared to protect our brothers and sisters in harm’s way during war and peacetime.”
This ceremony highlights the importance of recognizing the Soldiers whose actions made a lasting difference, honoring their courage and ensuring their contributions are remembered by the formation.
“Throughout our lives, we will all face adversity and danger, especially as Soldiers,” said Turner. “We must always remember that our service to our country, and to our team, comes before ourselves.”
The presentation honored the Soldiers’ actions during an exceptionally dangerous situation and reinforced the Army's commitment to recognizing those who demonstrate heroism in the face of a threat.
The Marne Division's response to the incident also reflects its continued commitment to caring for its people. The effects of a traumatic event extend beyond the immediate response, requiring continued support for wounded Soldiers, their Families and the broader formation.
The actions of the Soldiers involved in the Aug. 6, 2025, incident serve as a reminder that readiness is more than preparation for a mission, it is the ability to act decisively, protect others and remain committed to the Army values when confronted with unexpected challenges.
This ceremony brings closure to 2nd ABCT, 3rd Infantry Division, as the unit recognizes the courage, professionalism and selfless actions of its Soldiers during the Aug. 6, 2025, Fort Stewart shooting. It serves as a reminder of the strength of the formation, the importance of readiness and the enduring commitment to protecting one another.
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