Boating Accident Claims Life of AR Guardsman Home on Leave From Iraq

Story by: Guest Contributor

First posted on 08-31-2007

CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark. – The National Guard today announced the death of an Arkansas Soldier home on leave from deployed service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Michael Lee Chenoweth, 29, of Plainview, Ark., was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 28, 2007, from a boating incident the previous evening on the Petit Jean River at Slaty Crossing east of Centerville. The incident is under investigation.

“Word of this Soldier’s death hit hard,” said Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard. “Michael was in the middle of his second tour of duty in Iraq. It is devastating to know this young man lost his life within the peaceful borders of our state, while separated from the dangers he endured in combat for nearly two years. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with his Family as they endure the pains of this tragic loss. He was a member of our Guard Family. He provided a great service to our state and nation as a Soldier. And he will not be forgotten.”

Chenoweth was home on a two week leave from Iraq where he had volunteered for service with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Fires Brigade of the Arkansas Army National Guard. Approximately 150 Soldiers from the Ozark based battery were mobilized for duty in Iraq on February 4, 2007. The unit is slated to return early in 2008.

Prior to deploying with the 142nd, Chenoweth had completed his first tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was deployed with the Russellville based Headquarters and Headquarters Battery of the 39th Infantry Brigade’s 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment.

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