Greenwood man killed in Army accident

A Greenwood native serving in the Indiana National Guard died in a tactical vehicle accident while on base in Texas.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Michael St. John, 29, died on Thursday night at Fort Hood, Texas. He was a father and husband, according to an Indiana National Guard news release.

St. John was working as an embedded observer controller/trainer with the Army National Guard Operations Group Wolf, the national guard said. With the Indiana Army National Guard, he was an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment.

The accident occurred on Thursday night. No details about what happened have been released. The cause of his death is under investigation, the news release said.

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St. John has served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. During his military career, he had been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the NATO Medal and Indiana Military Volunteer Emblem, the news release said.

"For those who knew and worked with Staff Sgt. St. John, he was respected and admired for his great love for his country and family," Lt. Col. Chad Pittman, commander of the 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, said in the news release. "He continually sought ways to ensure the success of subordinates, better himself as leader, and contribute to the achievements the organization. My deepest sympathy for his family at this sad and difficult time."

Gov. Eric Holcomb noted that St. John served with distinction and was known as someone who always put others above himself, he said in a statement.

"I ask all Hoosiers around the state join us in honoring his service and ultimate sacrifice to our state and nation," Holcomb said.