The U.S. military on Tuesday identified three of the four soldiers from Georgia’s Fort Stewart who were found dead this week after they were reported missing during a training mission in Lithuania.
They are Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam.
All three were M1 Abrams tank system maintainers and were part of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart near Georgia’s coast. The military has not yet identified the fourth soldier, who was found deceased Tuesday.
They were reported missing on March 25. The four were operating an M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle and were on their way to bring back another military vehicle near Pabradė, a city in eastern Lithuania. The M88A2 was discovered later submerged in a bog and encased in mud. It was pulled out Monday.
“This loss is simply devastating,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general. “These men were honored soldiers of the Marne Division. We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our soldiers during (this) incredibly difficult time.”
Duenez previously served with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He deployed to Poland in 2021 and Germany in 2022. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
“As both a leader and a soldier, he set an example every day — always the first to arrive and the last to leave, greeting every challenge with a smile and a readiness to support anyone who required assistance,” said Capt. Madyson Wellens, a troop commander with Duenez’s regiment. “He was the definition of a silent professional.”
Duenez’s mother-in-law set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his family.
“Sadly, my daughter lost her husband,” Miriam Quiroz of Chicago wrote in Spanish on the fundraising website. “An exemplary man and the love of her life. He left behind an 18-month-old baby. Please, I ask you to help us with whatever your heart tells you during these very difficult times for my daughter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. A soldier who gave his life for his country.”
Franco served in the army for more than six years. He deployed to Korea in 2020 and Germany in 2022. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
“His infectious smile and genuine joy in being with his team were matched only by the tenacity and drive. He never asked more of his soldiers than he was willing to give himself — a true testament to his character,” Wellens said. “More than an exceptional leader and soldier, Edvin was a friend whose influence touched so many.”
From childhood, Franco dreamed of “being somebody,” gaining valuable skills and starting a family, his father, Edvin Rene Franco, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week. Between him and his two siblings, Franco was the first to get married and buy a house. Five months ago, Franco and his wife welcomed a son.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the Franco and Duenez families, and another for all four families.
Taitano’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal. This was his first deployment.
“Pfc. Dante Taitano will always be remembered as the spark of the team. He wore a smile on his face no matter the environment or task and constantly brought the team together with his charisma and laughter,” said Cpt. Matthew Lund, a troop commander with the regiment.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his family in Guam.
“He was deeply committed to serving his country and was admired for his courage, kindness, and unwavering dedication,” the GoFundMe site says.
About 3,500 soldiers from the same brigade deployed in January 2025 across Poland and the Baltic region for a nine-month rotation. Their deployment is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which supports NATO allies in Europe. This is the brigade’s second rotation to Europe since 2022.
© American Military News