Soldier who died during Air Force Base exercises identified

Image: Shaw Air Force Base

Image: Shaw Air Force Base

Sumter, SC (WOLO) — The Sumter Air Force Base has released the identity of the U.S. Army Central Soldier they say passed away while exercising August 11, 2024.  Officials say 55 year old Lt. Col. Roderick Vinson of Charlotte North Carolina died while exercising Sunday. Authorities who continue to investigate the death say no foul play is suspected.

According to officials, Lieutenant Colonel Vinson enlisted in the Army back in 1987 as an 11M, Fighting Vehicle Infantryman,who commissioned as a Transportation Officer in July of 1999, and was assigned to the U.S. Army Central since 2018.  Military personnel say Vinson was a highly decorated soldier with accolades for the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, The Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star as well as the Army Achievement Medal.

Officials say he was also awarded the the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M-device, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

Col. Jason Squitier, the U.S. Army Central Deputy Chief of Staff issued a brief statement surrounding the death of one of their own saying,

“The ARCENT Family is devastated by the untimely passing of Lt. Col. Roderick Vinson, a beloved member of our team and an incredible leader in the organization,”…“He left an enormously positive impact on every person with whom he interacted, and we miss him dearly. We send our condolences to his family and friends, and our prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

The City of Sumter Police Department and the Sumter County Coroner’s Office continue a joint investigation.