PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier dies in training accident
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Mar. 15, 2009) – Staff Sgt. Mark M.
Maierson
Maierson, 27, died during training at the Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West, Fla., Friday.
While conducting training in the school’s pool, the Soldier lost consciousness. Medical personnel- present during the training- provided immediate treatment and transported the Soldier to the Lower Keys Medical Center, Key West, where he was later pronounced dead.
Maierson, a native of Littleton, Colo., was born Dec. 13, 1981. He volunteered for military service and entered the Army in September 2003 as a Special Forces Trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., Maierson was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He began the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2007, and he earned the coveted “Green Beret” in April 2008. He was then assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), here, as a Special Forces engineer sergeant.
Maierson’s military education includes the Special Forces Qualification Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course, Warrior Leader’s Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with “2” numeral, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Staff Sgt. Maierson is survived by his mother Rose, and Father, Mark Maierson, of Littleton, Colo.
The Army has begun an investigation of the incident.
For further information, media should contact the Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office during duty hours at 910-432-4587 or after duty hours at 910-689-6187.
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