2 Floridians Among Those Killed In Fort Hood Accident

FORT HOOD, TEXAS — Two Floridians were among nine soldiers killed during an Army training exercise in Fort Hood, Texas, last week.

Pfc. Brandon Austin Banner, 22, of Milton, and Pfc. Zachery Nathaniel Fuller, 23, of Palmetto were killed when their Light Medium Tactical Vehicle overturned at Owl Creek on June 2, according to the Army.

Fuller became an active-duty service member in November 2015 and worked as a motor transport operator. He was assigned to Fort Hood in April. The Army said Fuller had received a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Banner entered active duty in March 2014 and was also a motor transport operator. He’d been assigned to Fort Hood since July 2014. His service honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Sharpshooter with Carbine recognition.

The U.S. Army has announced that donations are being accepted to assist the families of those affected by the Owl Creek accident.

"Fort Hood has received an enormous outpouring of donation support from our local and national communities," said Col. Todd Fox, Fort Hood Garrison commander, in a statement. “Currently, public donations to assist Fort Hood Families affected by the tragedy are being accepted by the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare & Recreation and the American Red Cross."

The Red Cross number to call is 254-200-4400 or visit www.waco.redcross.org online.

Other soldiers killed in the training accident are Spc. Yingming Sun, 25, of Monterey Park, Calif., Staff Sgt. Miguel Angel Colonvazquez, 38, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Spc. Christine Faith Armstrong, 27, of Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Pvt. Isaac Lee Deleon, 19, of San Angelo, Texas; Pvt. Eddy Raelaurin Gates, 20; of Dunn, N.C.; Pvt. Tysheena Lynette James, 21, of Jersey City, N.J.; and Cadet Mitchell Alexander Winey, 21, of Valparaiso, Ind.

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