thedrifter
02-28-07, 07:17 AM
Marine killed by grenade in training accident
By John Hoellwarth - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 27, 2007 20:56:16 EST
A lance corporal who was shot in the head with a 40mm grenade died during pre-deployment training at Twentynine Palms, Calif., more than a month ago, Corps officials announced Feb. 23.
Lance Cpl. Luciano Reyes, a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, was promoted to that rank six weeks before he was killed on Jan. 17.
The Naval Safety Review Board has launched an inquiry into Reyes’ death, and though there is also an ongoing criminal investigation, “any disciplinary or administrative action, if warranted, will await the conclusion of the investigations,” said II Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman Capt. Dave Nevers.
Reyes had spent less than 11 months in the Corps at the time of his death, according to a release published on II MEF’s Web site in response to Marine Corps Times’ questions about why the incident went unannounced.
“The problem was an unintentional and uncharacteristic breakdown in communication between well-meaning officials,” Nevers said. “We all understand our solemn obligation to inform the public when we lose a Marine. As much as we strive to execute our duties perfectly, in this instance we made a mistake.”
Ellie
By John Hoellwarth - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 27, 2007 20:56:16 EST
A lance corporal who was shot in the head with a 40mm grenade died during pre-deployment training at Twentynine Palms, Calif., more than a month ago, Corps officials announced Feb. 23.
Lance Cpl. Luciano Reyes, a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, was promoted to that rank six weeks before he was killed on Jan. 17.
The Naval Safety Review Board has launched an inquiry into Reyes’ death, and though there is also an ongoing criminal investigation, “any disciplinary or administrative action, if warranted, will await the conclusion of the investigations,” said II Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman Capt. Dave Nevers.
Reyes had spent less than 11 months in the Corps at the time of his death, according to a release published on II MEF’s Web site in response to Marine Corps Times’ questions about why the incident went unannounced.
“The problem was an unintentional and uncharacteristic breakdown in communication between well-meaning officials,” Nevers said. “We all understand our solemn obligation to inform the public when we lose a Marine. As much as we strive to execute our duties perfectly, in this instance we made a mistake.”
Ellie