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National Guardsmen killed in noncombatant incidents in Iraq include young newlywed, new dad

Two Georgia National Guard soldiers – one a newlywed and the other a recent father – were killed in noncombatant incidents in Iraq on Wednesday. Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, 23, died in Baghdad after an incident at another location, the Army said. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment out of Lawrenceville, which began
bySarah Blake
4 August 2024
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Two Georgia National Guard soldiers – one a newlywed and the other a recent father – were killed in noncombatant incidents in Iraq on Wednesday.

Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni, 23, died in Baghdad after an incident at another location, the Army said.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment out of Lawrenceville, which began a mission at an undisclosed location in the Middle East in April.

Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni wearing Army fatigues and equipment, takes a selfie.
Spc. Travis Jordan Pameni died in Iraq on Wednesday. facebook/naxsiah

Pameni was just two months shy of celebrating his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Nasiah Pameni.

“Everyone needs to know how amazing of a person you are, how you are so caring and a free happy spirit,” the grieving widow wrote in a Facebook tribute that praised his sense of humor and his support for her.

“You have given me the greatest 4 years anyone could ask for,” she added.

Spc. Owen James Elliott, 23, also died in Baghdad on Wednesday. 

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, out of Savannah, which deployed in the Middle East in December 2023.

Travis Jordan Pameni, a black man wearing a round gold-rimmed sunglasses, sits in a car next to his wife, Nasiah, a black woman with long hair.
Pameni, left, with his wife, Nasiah. The couple married in October 2023. facebook/naxsiah

Elliott welcomed a son on Aug. 2, 2023, according to social media.

The baby celebrated his first birthday just two days after his father died.

“For a brief second when I was told they were flying him home I had joy, then I realized she was talking about his body,” Elliott’s mother, Sandie Elliott, wrote on Facebook in a post where she shared multiple photos her son sent to her from Iraq. “I know I’ll never hug my baby again.”

Spc. Owen James Elliott, wearing Army fatigues as he stands at attention with other soldiers.
Spc. Owen James Elliott welcomed a son last summer. facebook

“God gave me 23 years with him, and for that I’m grateful. I know he’s dancing in heaven.”

Both deaths are under investigation, the Army said. There is no evidence of foul play.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Pameni and Specialist Elliott,” said Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commander and Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard.

“Both of these soldiers selflessly served our state and nation. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of both soldiers.”

The Georgia National Guard did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for an additional comment.

With Post wires

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Sarah Blake
Hi, I'm Sarah Blake, an investigative journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth. With over a decade of experience in journalism, I've dedicated my career to bringing hidden stories to light and holding the powerful accountable. My work has taken me across the country, from small towns to major cities, and I pride myself on my relentless pursuit of facts and justice.
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