U.S. Military Academy Cadet Mitchell A. Winey, 21, a member of the Class of 2018, from Chesterton, Indiana, died along with eight other soldiers during a training accident after flood waters overturned the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle they were traveling in Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas.
“Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the Winey family and all those who have been affected in this unfortunate accident,” said Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Diana Holland in a school news release. “This is a terrible loss that will be felt throughout the Army and academy communities.
“He internalized the ideals and values of West Point and exemplified them in all that he set out to do. Duty, Honor, Country were his touchstones,” said Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., Superintendent of U. S. Military Academy, in a letter to the West Point community.
21-year-old Winey was at Fort Hood for Cadet Troop Leader Training, which is an annual summer military development program. Approximately 100 cadets are conducting Cadet Troop Leader Training as part of annual military development at Fort Hood. During CTLT a cadet is placed in an operational unit for approximately three weeks for a realistic leadership experience at the lieutenant level of responsibility. The incident is under investigation.
Cadet Winey decided in the eighth grade that he wanted to attend West Point. His parents bought him a book about how to prepare for and apply to the school and he did the rest.
He grew up in Chesterton, Ind. and was a 2014 graduate of Chesterton High School. He had been at West Point for two years.
He was considered a rising star in his class at West Point, much like he was in high school where he was class president, prom king, an athlete and loved to play the piano and sing.
Gov. Mike Pence has ordered state flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Cadet Winey.
“Karen and I are saddened to hear that one of the soldiers killed in this tragic accident at Fort Hood was one of Indiana's own," said Governor Pence. “Our heart goes out to Cadet Mitchell Alexander Winey’s family, friends, former classmates at Chesterton High School, and all those who knew him, and I urge Hoosiers to remember the courage, service, and sacrifice of this young cadet.”
"We mourn the loss of West Point Cadet Mitchell Winey, who was serving at Fort Hood as part of training this summer," added Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., in a statement Sunday. "He served our country with honor, and we are grateful for his selfless service. A few years ago, I had the privilege of nominating Mitchell, a Chesterton High School graduate, to West Point. He will be missed, and I send my condolences and prayers to his family and friends."