A Special Forces soldier was killed last week in a head-on collision in Florida, Army officials said.
Spec. Robert L. Gagnon Jr., 25, was driving westbound on Interstate 10 in northwest Florida on Sept. 17 when his vehicle collided with another, the Army said in a release.
Both Gagnon and the driver of the second vehicle were killed, Army officials said in the release.
Gagnon was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
He entered the active-duty Army in October 2013. He completed Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group in April 2014 as a motor transport operator.
More recently he worked in the Special Forces Advanced Skills Company Maritime Operations Training Detachment (ASC MOT-D) as a small boat maintenance operator, maintaining a fleet of Zodiac small craft and boat motors for 7th SFG.
“It was an honor having Robert serve within the ranks of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He was a part of our family and will not be forgotten,” Col. Patrick T. Colloton, commander of the 7th Special Forces Group, said in the release. “Our focus now is to provide the best care and support possible to Specialist Gagnon’s family and loved ones. I ask that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Gagnon’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Parachutist Badge and Army Marksman Badge.
