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SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01) held a moment of silence on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the Fort Stewart soldiers who lost their lives in Lithuania.
Rep. Carter, a Republican who represents Ft. Stewart in Congress, led the bipartisan tribute, joined by other members of Georgia’s House delegation, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Rich McCormick (GA-07) and Lucy McBath (GA-06).
“I was humbled to host a House Floor moment of silence to honor the 4 brave servicemen from Ft. Stewart who lost their lives in Lithuania,” Carter wrote on X. “Please keep the families of Staff Sgts. Jose Duenez Jr., Edvin F. Franco, Troy S. Knutson-Collins, & Pfc. Dante D. Taitano in your prayers.”
On Tuesday, March 25, four soldiers permanently stationed at Fort Stewart but deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve were reported missing. The following day, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that they were deceased.
On Monday, March 31, three of the soldiers were confirmed dead. Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle were recovered from a peat bog. The fourth was confirmed dead the next day.