HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY ALASKA, JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- A U.S. Army Alaska Soldier died of injuries sustained in a bear attack May 10 while working in a JBER training area. A fellow Soldier also received minor injuries in the attack.
Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant, 30, an infantryman from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was transported to the JBER hospital after the mauling where he was declared dead. The injured soldier was treated and released.
Plant, from Saint Augustine, Florida, joined the active-duty Army in January 2015 after a stint in the reserve component and served at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before arriving to JBER in July 2021.
“Staff Sgt. Plant was an integral part of our organization. He was a positive and dedicated leader who brought joy and energy to the paratroopers who served with him,” said Lt. Col. David J. Nelson, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment commander. “He always had a smile on his face, he always went above and beyond what was asked of him, and he served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him. His loss is deeply felt within our organization and we offer our sincere condolences to friends and family.”
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
Army Criminal Investigation Division personnel are being assisted by and working in conjunction with the 673d Security Forces Squadron, 673d Civil Engineering Squadron Conservation Law Enforcement Officers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in investigating the attack. More information about the attack will be announced as it becomes available.
EDITORS:
A photograph of Staff Sgt. Plant is attached with this release.
Questions about the bear, bear attacks and bear safety should be directed to Cyndi Wardlow, Regional Supervisor- Region 2, Alaska Department of Fish & Game Wildlife Conservation at 907-267-2529 or cynthia.wardlow@alaska.gov.
Public Affairs Office
United States Army Alaska
724 Postal Service Loop #5900
Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, AK 99505-5900
Telephone: (907) 384-1542
Email: john.m.pennell2.civ@army.mil