A chemical officer assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, died in a two-car collision Saturday while on her way to Fort Bliss, Texas, officials said Tuesday.
First Lt. Stephanie Hetland, 26, was driving from Fort Riley, Kansas, where she had served with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, down to her next duty station, the 1st Infantry Division said in a statement.
“The 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion is deeply saddened by the loss of 1st Lt. Stephanie Hetland,” said Lt. Col. Scott Miller, her battalion commander. “We offer our most sincere condolences to her family and friends. We will continue to fully support them during this challenging time of grief.”
An investigation is underway with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the release said.
Hetland earned her commission in late 2014 and had been at Fort Riley since June 2015, the release said.
Her awards and decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
