TN National Guardsman dies in training accident

Press release from Tennessee National Guard 

Fort Irwin, Calif.—The Tennessee National Guard has suffered a fatality at the National Training Center.  Private First Class Tara Turnage of Memphis, Tenn. was killed Monday morning in an accident at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.

“This was a very bad day for the Regiment and the Tennessee National Guard”, said Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s Adjutant General who was nearby when the accident occurred.  “My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy go out to her family and friends for our loss of this young Soldier. Service to one’s country that ends so tragically is the highest form of patriotism. Private First Class Turnage was a true patriot and we will miss her dearly.

“The NTC is a harsh and unforgiving desert environment and is the most advanced training area in the world.  As a veteran of several NTC rotations and having experienced combat—the NTC is harder.  This Soldier was doing her job in this harsh environment and had an accident.  We mourn her loss and her absence will be felt throughout the Tennessee National Guard.  I pray for her immediate family and her Guard family as we all hurt.”

Details of the accident are not available due to pending investigations.

Private First Class Turnage was assigned to the Forward Support Company, Support Squadron and attached to G Troop, 1^st Squadron of the 278^th Armored Cavalry Regiment.  She drilled in Humbolt, Tenn. and resided in Memphis.

The 278^th ACR is at the National Training Center preparing for multiple deployments to Europe later this year.