Soldier dies of injuries suffered during Gaza pier mission

A 23-year-old Military sergeant who served on the short-term Gaza pier mission earlier this 12 months died final week from accidents sustained in non-combat duties throughout the mission.

A spokesperson with third Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, confirmed the Oct. 31 demise of Sgt. Quandarius Stanley from his accidents.

Stanley was critically injured in Could when excessive winds and heavy seas broken the pier, inflicting 4 Military vessels to grow to be beached, The Related Press reported. Two different service members additionally have been injured however later returned to obligation.

“It’s with nice disappointment that we announce the passing of Sgt. Quandarius Davon Stanley,” Capt. Shkeila Milford-Glover, command spokesperson informed Military Instances in an e mail assertion in the present day.

The 2 different troopers sustained minor accidents. Stanley was handled at an Israeli hospital earlier than being moved to Brooke Military Medical Middle, San Antonio, Texas, in June.

Officers didn’t share particulars of the accidents that Stanley succumbed to final week.

“Sgt. Quandarius Stanley was an instrumental and nicely revered first line chief within the seventh Transportation Brigade Expeditionary, particularly throughout the mission to offer humanitarian help to the individuals of Gaza,” mentioned Col. John “Eddie” Grey, brigade commander. “We’ll proceed to offer assist to his household throughout this tough time. Our complete unit mourns alongside his household.”

The transportation brigade is out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

The large pier undertaking was hampered by sudden unhealthy climate and safety points, in addition to persistent issues of safety involving Israeli forces that prompted assist businesses to halt distribution of the provides out of concern of being injured and killed.

The Protection Division formally pulled the pier from the Gaza shore on June 28 and declared an finish in mid-July to the mission to convey assist into the territory besieged by the struggle between Israel and Hamas.

The Gaza floating pier operated for practically three weeks delivering 19.4 million kilos of assist to residents, based on Pentagon officers.

Stanley served within the Military from July 2020 till he was medically retired resulting from his accidents Oct. 25, officers confirmed.

The sergeant’s awards and decorations embrace the Military Achievement Medal, Military Good Conduct Medal, Nationwide Protection Service Medal, World Battle on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Skilled Growth Ribbon, Military Service Ribbon, Abroad Service Ribbon and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.

The Related Press contributed to this report.