FORT STEWART, Georgia —
The 3rd Infantry Division has identified three deceased Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team who were previously reported missing while operating a M88A2 Hercules during a recovery mission in support of regularly scheduled training at Pabradė, Lithuania.
Deceased are:
Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois
Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California
Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam
“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 incredibly difficult time.”
“No words can capture the depth of sorrow or gratitude we feel for their service. To the Families, please know you are not alone in your grief, as they were immensely loved by this division; we stand with you united in honoring their memory,” Norrie said.
Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, from Illinois, was a M1 Abrams tank system maintainer with over seven years in the Army. He arrived at Fort Stewart in February 2022 and was assigned to 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt. He previously served with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Duenez was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course and the Tracked Vehicle Recovery Operations course. 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.
“Sgt. Jose Duenez will always hold a special place in our hearts. 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 K. Wellens, Diesel Forward Support Troop commander, 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt. “He was the definition of a silent professional.
“We remember Jose not just for what he has done for the unit, but for the way he made us feel inspired to give our best each day. His legacy is a personal reminder of the leader we all aspire to be. He will forever be a part of the Diesel Family,” said Wellens.
Sgt. Edvin Franco, 25, from California, was a M1 Abrams tank system maintainer who served in the Army for over six years. Following his successful completion of initial entry training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Franco was assigned to 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt. at Fort Stewart in February 2019.
Franco was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course and the Tracked Vehicle Recovery Operations course. 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 Terror Service Medal.
“Sgt. Edvin Franco’s legacy will remain with us always. 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,” said Capt. Madyson K. Wellens, Diesel Forward Support Troop commander, 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt. “More than an exceptional leader and Soldier, Edvin was a friend whose influence touched so many.”
“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the impact he made, but we will honor his memory every day, remembering how his remarkable spirit touched our lives in countless ways. He will forever be a part of the Diesel Family,” said Wellens.
Pfc. Dante Taitano, 21, from Guam, was a M1 Abrams tank system maintainer who served in the Army for nearly two years. He arrived at Fort Stewart in October 2023 following his initial entry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Taitano was assigned to 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt. at Fort Stewart in October 2023.
He graduated the Tracked Vehicle Recovery Operations course, and his 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, Darkhorse Troop commander, 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt.
The 3rd ID continues to keep Families of the Soldiers informed on the status of recovery efforts through daily communication with leadership. Resources have been provided to the Families and Soldiers to support their mental and emotional wellbeing. Chaplains, Care Teams and Soldier and Family Readiness Groups have been activated to provide support since the initial report of the incident.
The fourth U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st ABCT, 3rd Inf. Div., was found deceased in Lithuania in the afternoon of April 1. The Soldier, whose identity is being withheld pending confirmation of notification of next of kin, went missing in the early morning hours of March 25, and his vehicle was recovered from a peat bog in the early morning of March 31.
Approximately 3,500 Soldiers from the Raider Brigade deployed in January 2025 to various locations across Poland and the Baltic states for a nine-month rotation as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve to support the United States’ commitment to NATO Allies and partners in Europe.
The brigade is under the command and control of the 1st Armored Division for this mission and is deployed to provide a credible ground deterrent and train alongside our Allies and partners in Europe. This deployment is the second rotation to Europe for Raider Brigade since 2022.
“This is an immense loss for all our Soldiers. Sergeants Duenez, Franco, and Pfc. Taitano were more than just members of our unit, they were family, and we loved them,” said Lt. Col. Michael Hefti, Commander, 5th Sqn., 7th Cav. Regt., 1st ABCT.
“They were known for being the best at their jobs and they have left a hole that cannot be replaced. As we grieve together, we will continue to honor them by showing the same type of selfless love that they demonstrated to our team every single day. Their legacy as Dogface Soldiers will live on forever in our hearts and every time we share stories and memories, their legacy will continue to live on,” Hefti said.
For further information and queries, contact U.S. Army Europe and Africa Public Affairs at media@army.mil.