An Army Reserve officer was among 49 people killed early June 12 by a gunman who opened fire in an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
Capt. Antonio D. Brown, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 383rd Regiment, 4th Cavalry Brigade, 85th Support Command, based in St. Louis, was killed in the attack. He was 30 years old.
Carter Reacts
Defense Secretary Ash Carter issued a statement saying he is “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Capt. Antonio Davon Brown served his country for nearly a decade, stepping forward to do the noblest thing a young person can do, which is to protect others,” Carter said. “His service both at home and overseas gave his fellow Americans the security to dream their dreams, and live full lives. The attack in Orlando was a cowardly assault on those freedoms, and a reminder of the importance of the mission to which Captain Brown devoted his life.
The men and women of the Defense Department grieve with the captain's family and with all of the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy, the secretary added. “We stand with the people of Orlando and the nation's LGBT community during this difficult time, and stand in determination to defeat ISIL and prevent the spread of its hateful ideology,” he said.
Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told Pentagon reporters that Brown had served in the Army Reserve since August 2008 and was commissioned through the ROTC program at Florida A&M University.
"We express our condolences to his family, and to all the families and loved ones of the victims," Davis said.
An 85th Support Command news release said Brown was assigned to the command in November 2013 as an observer-controller/trainer platoon leader and served as a Troop Program Unit soldier.
Valuable Member of 85th Support Command Team
“The Army Reserve and 85th Support Command family express great sadness in learning of the death of Capt. Brown, and grieve with his family and friends,” the release said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. He was a valuable member of our team and will be greatly missed.”
Army Lt. Col. Kevin Dasher, commander of the 3-383rd, also expressed his sympathy in the release, calling Brown “a loyal and dutiful United States Army Reserve officer” who truly cared about the soldiers in his charge.
“In his career with the 3-383rd, he faced any and all challenges with a smile on his face and an unwavering spirit that everyone in our unit cherished,” Dasher said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family in this time of tragedy."