Two Georgia National Guard soldiers died Wednesday in Iraq in what the U.S. military described as non-combat deaths.
Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, 23, of Douglasville, died in Baghdad after an incident elsewhere, the Army said. Pameni was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, based in Lawrenceville.
The unit began a mission at an undisclosed location in the Middle East in April.
Spc. Owen James Elliott, 23, of Twin City, died in Baghdad. Elliott was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, based in Savannah.
The unit began a deployment to the Middle East in December, the Georgia National Guard said, focusing on air defense artillery.
The military said it was investigating each death. There was no evidence of foul play, officials said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliott,” said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commander and adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard. “Both Soldiers selflessly served our state and nation. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of both Soldiers.”
The Georgia National Guard declined to comment further Saturday.
