An Indiana Army National Guard Captain, Eric Richard Hart, 34, of Indianapolis, passed away on December 28th while deployed in Iraq supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident leading to his death was non-combat related and is currently under investigation. The details surrounding the circumstances remain undisclosed at this time.
Captain Hart served 11 years with the Indiana National Guard, earning numerous commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2015 after completing Officer Candidate School at Camp Atterbury. He was assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, 38th Infantry Division.
The Indiana National Guard expressed their condolences, describing Captain Hart as an "integral part of our team" who will be deeply missed. They offered their sympathies to his family and friends, as well as the soldiers who served alongside him.
This incident comes as the United States is planning to reduce its military presence in Iraq and conclude its current mission against ISIS by September 2025. While the exact number of troops remaining in Iraq is yet to be determined, the plan involves maintaining a force to support the 900 U.S. troops stationed in Syria until at least 2026.
