SOLDIERS INJURED AT CAMP SHELBY, MS

At approximately 11:00 pm last night 14 soldiers at Camp Shelby were injured when an unconfirmed tornado swept through the area and damaged barracks that were housing Arkansas National Guard Soldiers. All 14 soldiers were taken to local hospitals and treated for cuts and bruises with one having more serious injuries, but not life-threatening.

The 39th Brigade from Arkansas are scheduled to have a farewell ceremony on Thursday and leave for Iraq later this month.

U.S. Department of Defense

Soldiers Injured as Severe Weather Strikes Mississippi Base By Capt. Christopher J. Heathscott, USA  Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP SHELBY JOINT FORCES TRAINING CENTER, Miss., March 4, 2008 - Fourteen soldiers with the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were injured last night when severe weather passed through Camp Shelby. njuries were mainly limited to minor cuts and bruises, with one soldier suffering a more severe, yet non-life-threatening injury, officials said.  At about 11 p.m., an unconfirmed tornado passed through the post just south of Hattiesburg, Miss., seriously damaging a barracks building, which housed soldiers from the 39th's 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry, units based in Mena, DeQueen and Sheridan, Ark.  The building's roof was partially blown away by strong winds, with the remainder collapsing on several soldiers inside. The 39th's soldiers from neighboring barracks quickly responded with a search-and-rescue effort and established triage.  Along with the battalion's physician assistant, the 39th's medics and combat lifesavers who came to the scene to help actually outnumbered the injured soldiers. Civilian emergency officials arrived in short order and were able to quickly get the soldiers transported to the local hospital, where all 14 were treated and released.  Brigade officials confirmed all soldiers have been accounted for and that the families of the injured soldiers have been notified.  A complete damage assessment to the post is expected to take place today.  The 39th, with headquarters in Little Rock, is conducting mobilization training at Camp Shelby in preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The brigade will conduct a farewell ceremony March 6, with deployment overseas later in the month.  (Army Capt. Christopher J. Heathscott is the public affairs officer for 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.)