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U.S. military officials say another soldier from Fort Bragg was killed in action in Iraq over the weekend.
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, died on July 18 during a controlled detonation of ordinance from a downed Iranian drone at Erbil Air Base in Iraq. A second service member also suffered minor injuries.
"USASMDC is saddened by the loss of Sgt. Swinton, whose death occurred during an operation to safeguard fellow Soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty said. “His service will not be forgotten, and his sacrifice is not in vain. We will support Sgt. Swinton's family and his unit during this difficult period. His loss will inspire his fellow Soldiers to continue the mission.”
Swinton was from Fayetteville and served with Fort Bragg's 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment after enlisting as an air defense early warning system operator in 2017.
“Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned officer who took great pride in his work and the people around him,” said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, 32nd AAMDC commanding general. "He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and selfless dedication.”
Swinton's mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, spoke with WRAL on Tuesday. She said he leaves behind his wife, his 6-year-old son and his 4-year-old daughter, as well as two brothers and two sisters.
"He loved his job, he loved his country and he loved the leadership in this country. He deserves to be honored. He loved his wife and two children," she said. " Above all else, Michael’s greatest love was his family. His wife, Mia, and two beautiful children, were the center of his world. Every decision he made and every sacrifice he endured was with them in his heart. His love for them was unconditional, selfless, and unwavering."
His mother said he had a contagious laugh and was the kind of person who could light up any room.
"To so many, Michael wasn’t just a hero because he wore the uniform—he was a hero because of the way he loved, protected, encouraged, and inspired everyone around him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family. He will forever be missed, forever honored, and forever our hero," she said.
Swinton's wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted her grief on social media, saying "I'm still navigating how to process this so please bear with me."
Meanwhile, leaders across the nation are mourning Swinton's passing. Governor Josh Stein shared his condolences with Sgt. Michael Swinton's family and wishes that his memory be a blessing.
The Department of War said the incident is still under investigation.
Swinton will posthumously be promoted to Staff Sergeant and will receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, military officials announced Tuesday. He was a decorated soldier, earning both the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal during his time in service along with several other medals.
The news comes after another soldier from Fort Bragg, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, was killed in action during Iranian strikes that hit a base in Jordan.
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