Four American Soldiers Who Died During Training Exercise Honored by Lithuanian Leaders and People as They Depart for Home
No footage was found online of their return to the United States
On April 3, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė posted a moving video tribute to the four American soldiers who died in that country during a training exercise on March 25, 2025 when they and their M88 Hercules went missing. The video shows images of the throngs of people who turned out to honor our soldiers as they were transported by hearse to the airport to make their final trip home. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and other dignitaries joined the crowds lining the route of the procession.
According to Military.com, “The soldiers, all assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. They were identified as Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; Private First Class Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam; and Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan.”
"Although we are relieved to have found all our Dogface Soldiers, it does not make the pain of their loss any less," Major General Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said in a statement. "We will continue to care for and support the soldiers' families and loved ones as we bring them home and honor their memory."
President Donald Trump sent Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Dover Air Force Base to attend the dignified transfer of the American soldiers in his place. According to his official schedule, the president remained in Florida to attend a “MAGA Inc. Candelight Dinner.”
By Denise Rivette
And trump, instead of honoring the fallen soldiers, went and played golf.