2 Drill Sergeants Found Dead, What Happened at Fort Jackson?
by M Nishali | Updated Dec 21, 2023
2 Drill Sergeants Found Dead
Two drill sergeants, Allen Burtram, 34, and Zachary Melton, 30, were discovered deceased within eight days at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, prompting investigations. Burtram was found on December 8 after not reporting for duty, and Melton, unresponsive in his car on December 16, also failed to report for work. Fort Jackson officials emphasize that the deaths are not linked. The Army states there's no evidence of foul play in Burtram's case.
Investigations into the specific circumstances of each death are underway. Both sergeants were decorated military members, with Burtram serving 12 years and the last 18 months as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, and Melton spending over a decade in the Army, the last three years as a drill sergeant at the same base. The incidents follow a previous death at Fort Jackson earlier in the year.
Who is Called Drill Sergeant?
A Drill Sergeant is a special and important person in the United States Army. Their job is to teach and guide new soldiers during their initial training, helping them become strong, disciplined, and ready for combat. Being a Drill Sergeant is tough but also rewarding. They are like role models for the new soldiers, showing them how to follow the Army's rules, be proud of themselves, and be respectful.
Drill Sergeants go through special training at places like the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, where they learn how to teach important things like physical fitness, using weapons, and military tasks. They play a big part in making sure soldiers are well-prepared both mentally and physically. The Drill Sergeant Creed shows their commitment to being excellent leaders and dedicated American Soldiers who defend their country.
How Many Days it Took to Find Drill Sergeants Dead?
Two drill sergeants, Allen M. Burtram and Zachary L. Melton were found dead at Fort Jackson military base in South Carolina within eight days. Allen Burtram was discovered on December 8 after he didn't report for duty, while Zachary Melton was found unresponsive in his car on December 16 after a similar absence.
The deaths prompted "several" investigations, according to Brigade General Jason E. Kelly, commanding general at Fort Jackson. Authorities have not released the cause or manner of death for either individual, and they have emphasized that the deaths are not connected. This marks the third death at Fort Jackson in 2023, following the death of staff sergeant Jaime Contreras in June.
What Happened at Fort Jackson?
At Fort Jackson, a military base in South Carolina, something sad occurred. Two drill sergeants, named Allen M. Burtram, 34, and Zachary L. Melton, 30, were found dead within eight days. They were important members of the military. Allen didn't show up for work on December 8, and when they looked for him, he was found not alive.
A bit more than a week later, on December 16, Zachary was discovered unresponsive in his car. The people in charge are investigating what happened, but they say the deaths don't seem to be connected. This is the third time someone has died at Fort Jackson this year. The leaders there are helping the friends of the two drill sergeants who passed away. It's a sad time for the military community.
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2 Drill Sergeants Found Dead - FAQs
A Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army is responsible for coaching, counseling, and mentoring new recruits during their initial training. They play a crucial role in transforming civilians into disciplined and combat-ready soldiers.
Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram served in the Army for 12 years, including the last 18 months as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson. Staff Sgt. Zachary Melton served for over a decade, spending the last three years as a drill sergeant at the same base.
No, there is no evidence to suggest that the deaths of Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram and Staff Sgt. Zachary Melton are connected. Authorities have emphasized that these incidents are unrelated.
"Several" investigations have been initiated to determine the specifics of each of the deaths, according to Brigade General Jason E. Kelly, the commanding general at Fort Jackson.
Three deaths have occurred at Fort Jackson in 2023. In addition to Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram and Staff Sgt. Zachary Melton, staff sergeant Jaime Contreras was found dead in June after going missing during a land navigation course at the base.