From left, Arkansas National Guard Staff Sgt. Jorge Ramirez, Staff Sgt. Ryan Niblett, Sgt. Eduardo Salazar, and Staff Sgt. James Roach were each awarded Meritorious Service Medals on May 7, 2026, at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center. (John Oldham/Arkansas National Guard)
Four Arkansas Army National Guard soldiers were awarded Meritorious Service Medals Thursday for their response following a training accident at Fort Chaffee earlier this week.
According to the Guard, eight soldiers were injured Monday when three Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks were involved in a convoy crash during training exercises. Officials say the first two trucks stopped, but the third vehicle struck the rear of the middle truck.
Sgt. Eduardo Salazar, Staff Sgt. Ryan Niblett and Staff Sgt. Jorge Ramirez, all assigned to the 936th Forward Support Company of the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, were recognized for providing emergency aid to a seriously injured soldier. The Guard reported the soldiers used belts as improvised tourniquets until emergency crews arrived.
The injured soldier was later removed from the vehicle with assistance from local first responders using the Jaws of Life and airlifted to a hospital in Fayetteville before being transferred to Springfield, Missouri, for additional treatment.
Staff Sgt. James Roach, a flight paramedic, also received recognition for monitoring the injured soldier and assisting with trauma care during the helicopter transport.
Chad Bridges praised the soldiers’ professionalism and response during the emergency.
The accident remains under investigation. Officials say training resumed Tuesday after a temporary safety stand-down focused on hazard prevention and additional safety instruction.
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