Active Unit News

Rick Adams is the incoming President for the 4th Infantry Division Association. His son Michael was Killed in Iraq while serving with the 1st Armored Division, his other son, Matt, is serving in Korea.
Posted on Sat, Aug. 23, 2003
Spartanburg soldier dies in training accident in Iraq
Associated Press
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - An Upstate soldier has been killed in a fire at a shooting range in Iraq, his father says.
Army Pfc. Michael Scott Adams, 20, died Thursday from smoke inhalation during a training exercise in Baghdad, his father, Richard Adams said.
"He couldn't get out of the building," Richard Adams said.
Michael Adams was assigned to the 1st Armor Division in Baumholder, Germany and was an armor crewman on a tank.
He seemed destined for a military career. His brother, Matt, is a second lieutenant stationed in Korea, and his father earned a Purple Heart in Vietnam.
"It was what he said he wanted to do," Richard Adams said. "He was really making us proud."
Michael Adams graduated in 2001 from Dorman High School.
"Michael was an unassuming fellow with a wonderful big, big, smile," said Gloria Close, Adams' middle and high school guidance counselor. "He gave his best at every thing he did."
Michael Adams is the second member of the military from Spartanburg County to die in Iraq. Marine Pvt. Nolen Ryan Hutchings of Boiling Springs was killed in a friendly fire incident March 23.

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