Two Georgia National Guard soldiers — one newly married, the other a recent father — were killed in a non-combatant incident in Iraq on Wednesday.
Special Forces Officer Travis Jordan Pameni, 23, died after the incident in another part of Baghdad, according to the Army.
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment in Lawrenceville and began duty in April at an undisclosed location in the Middle East.
Pameni was just two months away from celebrating his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Nathia Pameni.
“Everyone needs to know what a wonderful person you are, what a caring, free and happy spirit you are,” the grieving widow says. He wrote in a tribute on Facebook She praised his sense of humor and his support for her.
“You all gave me the best four years anyone could ask for,” she added.
Special Forces member Owen James Elliott, 23, was also killed in Baghdad on Wednesday.
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment in Savannah and deployed to the Middle East in December 2023.
According to social media, Elliot welcomed his son on Aug. 2, 2023.
The baby celebrated his first birthday just two days after his father’s death.
“When I heard he was coming home on a plane I was happy for a second, but then I realized she was talking about his body,” Elliott’s mother, Sandy Elliott, said. He wrote on Facebook She shared several photos her son sent her from Iraq, saying: “I don’t think I’ll ever hold my baby again.”
“God gave me 23 years with him and I’m thankful for that. I know he’s dancing in heaven.”
The Army said both deaths are under investigation and there is no evidence of suspicious activity.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliott,” said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commander and adjutant of the Georgia National Guard.
“Both soldiers served our country and nation with selfless dedication. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of both soldiers.”
The Georgia National Guard did not immediately respond to The Washington Post’s request for additional comment.
With post wire
