2 Soldiers In Georgia National Guard Die After Incidents In Iraq: Army

ATLANTA, GA — The U.S Army is investigating after two Georgia National Guard soldiers died Wednesday, in unrelated non-combat incidents during their deployments in Iraq.

The Army said there is no evidence of foul play in the deaths of Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni of Douglasville and Spc. Owen James Elliott of Twin City, both 23.

Pameni died in Baghdad after an incident in another location, the Army said. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, based in Lawrenceville; that unit began a mission at an undisclosed location in the Middle East in April.

Elliott was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, based in Savannah. He also died in Baghdad, Army officials said.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliott,” said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commander and Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard. “Both of these soldiers selflessly served our state and nation. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of both soldiers.”

The Georgia National Guard did not comment further on Saturday, or provide more details about these incidents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.