The Navajo Nation Council is calling for action if any "negligence" was involved inthe recent death of a soldier while he was training at Fort Hood.
25-year-old Pvt. Corlton L. Chee of Pinehill, New Mexico, collapsed following PT on August 28, according to Fort Hood. He was transported to the hospital where he ultimately passed away on September 2.
Pvt. Chee was a member of the Navajo Nation, according to a statement by the Navajo Nation Council.
“We are deeply disturbed by the string of deaths at Fort Hood, and if there is any malfeasance or negligence involved, the Navajo Nation calls on our national leaders to pursue every available avenue to protect the lives of our Navajo warriors and those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Speaker Seth Damon in the statement.
“Our young Navajo warriors who choose to continue the valorous legacy shared by our Navajo Code Talkers deserve the greatest assurances from our military leaders that their service is not in vain.”
According to data obtained by the Associated Press from Fort Hood officials, this is the 28th soldier from the Central Texas post to die this year.
Pvt. Chee entered the Army in February 2020 as a Tank Crewman and has been assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since July 2020.
“Our hearts are heavy today with the news of Private Carlton Chee’s passing,” said Navajo Nation Council Delegate Jamie Henio. “Our young Navajos continue to serve at the highest rates per capita in the country, and when we lose just one of our honorable warriors, the entire Nation feels that pain.”
An autopsy is scheduled with the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas. Officials say the unit leadership will continue to provide support and assistance to his family during this difficult time.
This incident is currently under investigation.
