Fort Meade Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

An Army specialist based at Fort Meade died Tuesday while serving in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced. 

Spc. Hilda I. Clayton, 22, was assigned to the 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera) 21st Signal Brigade. The Defense Department said she died as a result of a non-combat related incident in Qaraghahi, Afghanistan.  

Clayton hailed from Augusta, GA. The Combat Camera unit is a military photography unit based at Fort Meade. 

The circumstances of Clayton's death are under investigation. 
 
Fort Meade Garrison Commander Col. Edward Rothstein offered his condolences on the installation's Facebook page Wednesday. 

"Our condolences go out to her loved ones and to the 55th," he wrote. "As we approach our nation's birthday, please remember her and that freedom is not free."