3 GA Soldiers Who Died In Overseas Training Identified

Updated at 2:27 p.m. Wednesday

GEORGIA — The U.S. Army has identified three of the four Georgia soldiers who were found dead this week in Lithuania after disappearing during a recent training exercise.

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa identified three of them as Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, Private First Class Dante Taitano, 21, and Sgt. Edvin Franco, 25. The fourth soldier's identity has not been publicly released.

The trio was also named in GoFundMe fundraisers, appearing to be organized by those who knew them.

Duenez, Franco and Taitano were all M1 Abrams tank system maintainers, according to the Army. All had nearly 15 years of experience between them, the Army stated.

The three soldiers were found dead Monday, while the body of the final soldier was located Tuesday, the U.S. Army stated.

They disappeared early on the morning of March 25 and were from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, the U.S. Army stated.

Thousands of dollars had been raised by mid-Tuesday afternoon for soldiers' families, totaling more than $43,000.

Beatriz Duenez, organizer of one of three GoFundMe accounts for Jose Duenez Jr., remembered him as a loving father and husband.

"His passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who brought joy and light into the lives of everyone around him," Beatriz Duenez wrote. "Junior was known for his giving nature, a huge heart and a pure soul. He would do anything for those he loved, always willing to give the shirt off his back to help others in need. He truly lived a life of service, whether in his military career or as a friend and family member."

More than $5,000 had been raised to benefit Tatiano's family in Guam. Organizers Justine and Krystle Oruga said funding will benefit travel costs and financial burdens.

"The military is only paying for three people to fly out and go to the service. Dante has four other siblings that want to see their brother," the co-organizers wrote.

They remembered Tatiano for his commitment "to serving his country," "... his courage, kindness and unwavering dedication."

What Happened?

On Monday, military officials said the soldiers were in Lithuania supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve.

They were found dead after their M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle was located submerged in water near the training area in Pabradė, Lithuania, military officials said.

The Hercules was removed Monday from a peat bog, or a wetland containing decomposed vegetation, military officials said.

They added it took six days to fully recover the 63-ton vehicle due to the "unstable ground conditions" and an "engineering challenge."

“The soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just soldiers — they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home," Major Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, said in a news release.

“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time. But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”

The search for the fourth soldier included the use of recovery dogs, drones, ground-penetrating radar, the Lithuanian Armed Forces and personnel from ally Estonia on Tuesday, military officials said.

Details leading to the disappearance of the soldiers were not immediately known.

Military officials said the accident is being investigated by the U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities.