A Florida-based Special Forces soldier died of his injures Sunday after a boating accident, according to a Wednesday release from 7th Special Forces Group.
Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Robinett was injured in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Destin, Florida, the release said. His command is headquartered at nearby Eglin Air Force Base.
“Rusty was a phenomenal father, husband, son, soldier, and brother to many in the 7th Group,” Col. Patrick Colloton, his group commander, said in the release. “He was one of our best.”
He is survived by his wife and three children, the release said.
“He was a part of our family, and will not be forgotten,” Colloton said. “I want to thank all of the members of the 7th Group, U.S. Coast Guard, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife for their efforts to find and recover Rusty.”
The incident is under investigation, according to the release.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
