Pennsylvania National Guardsman Killed in Off-Duty Accident

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewsire/ -- A Pennsylvania National Guard soldier was killed Wednesday in an off-duty accident near his home in Bernville, Berks County.

Sgt. 1^st Class Mark A. Eberly, 39, was running along Route 183 when he was struck from behind by a car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Mark was a dedicated soldier and loving father," said Maj. Gen. Jessica Wright, commander, Pennsylvania National Guard. "His tragic death will leave a void in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Our deepest sympathies go out to Mark's children, Thalia and John, and his entire family and many friends."

Eberly, an 18-year veteran, was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Command. After graduating from Bloom High School in Chicago, Ill., Eberly joined the Army in 1992, and served at Fort Hood, Texas, where he became a medical specialist.

After serving a six-month tour in Honduras, Eberly was promoted and assigned as an emergency treatment sergeant. He went on to serve as a Battalion Aid Station non-commissioned officer in charge under the Allied Forces Central Europe command in the Netherlands.

In 2000, he became a drill sergeant in the same medical battalion he had first received his training eight years prior and was responsible for training the next generation of Army medics.

Eberly joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in November 2005 and has since served in the active Guard and Reserve program. He spent two years as a recruiter and most recently served as a drill instructor in the Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program.

Eberly earned many awards and medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, the Expert Field Medical Badge and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He was also a graduate of the United States Army Airborne School.

An avid runner, Eberly was training to run in the National Guard Bureau marathon in Little Rock, Ark., in May.

The accident is under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Media contact: Sgt. Matt Jones, 717-861-8352

Editor's note: A color photo of Sgt. 1^st Class Mark A. Eberly is available on the DMVA Web site at www.dmva.state.pa.us under the News and Media section.  

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED