2 Army drill sergeants from Blount County, Alabama found dead in 8 days at Fort Jackson, SC

By Chris Peeks December 20, 2023

C-Al.com

Warren Kulo reported that an Army drill sergeant from Alabama has been found dead at Fort Jackson, S.C. for the second time in just over a week.

Officials from the base reported that Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, 30 years old and a native of Huntsville, was discovered deceased in his vehicle on Saturday after he did not show up for work. Melton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Jackson.

Medical emergency responders were called to the scene, but Melton was declared deceased shortly after their arrival.

Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, commanding general of Fort Jackson, expressed deep sadness over the passing of Staff Sgt. Melton in a statement. He conveyed his condolences to the soldier's family and the members of the Always Forward battalion during this difficult time.

The soldier had earned a number of ribbons over his years of service - somber symbols of the battles he had faced. There was the Development Ribbon, marking his early training and preparation for war. The Army Service Ribbon, a testament to his dedication to duty. And finally, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ribbon, representing the alliances and greater causes he had fought for. Though simple strips of cloth, each ribbon bore the weight of experience. They were reminders of the sacrifices he and his comrades had made.

The tragic death of Sergeant Melton has left many unanswered questions. The young soldier had finished basic training just last week and was on leave when he suddenly passed away. Official sources state that no details on the cause or manner of death have been released yet. However, authorities are actively investigating the circumstances through the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. As more information comes to light, we hope to gain a better understanding of this heartbreaking loss of one of our nation's dedicated service members. Though we may never know the full story, we can honor Private Melton's commitment to our country.

Shockwaves rippled through the base when the lifeless body of 34-year-old Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram was discovered eight days prior. The decorated soldier had mysteriously failed to report for duty that fateful morning. Authorities remain baffled by the untimely death - Criminal Investigations are still actively probing the case, though suspicions of foul play have been ruled out, Army officials stated. Burtram's absence that day remains an ominous, unanswered question, leaving comrades to grapple with the tragic loss of a revered brother-in-arms.

Burtram's journey to Alabama began over 400 miles north in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving his country for 12 years in the Army, including tours in Kuwait and Korea, Burtram was stationed at Fort Jackson just 40 miles southwest of Birmingham. His long military career took him across the world, but now Burtram called Alabama home.

Nestled near Columbia, South Carolina, Fort Jackson is more than just another military base - it's the beating heart of the Army's basic training operations. Over 3,500 active duty service members call Fort Jackson home, but they're far outnumbered by the roughly 50,000 fresh recruits who pass through its gates each year. That's right - half of all new Army soldiers get their first taste of military life at Fort Jackson. From day one, these eager recruits are put through the wringer, transforming from ordinary citizens into battle-ready warriors. Fort Jackson is where the Army forges its next generation of leaders. It's where bonds between soldiers are first formed. And it's where the Army's core values are drilled into impressionable minds. Fort Jackson is hallowed ground - a place that has shaped the lives of millions of soldiers. Its mark on the Army is indelible.

Staggering new research reveals an epidemic of mental health struggles among Army drill sergeants. A Military.com report on a 2021 study by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research paints a disturbing picture. Of 856 drill sergeants surveyed, a shocking 19% suffered from depression. Over a quarter reported moderate to severe insomnia, making it difficult to function. And most alarming, over one-third admitted to abusing alcohol - a dangerous coping mechanism that points to immense inner turmoil.

These numbers indicate a crisis. The intense stress of molding recruits appears to be taking a devastating toll on drill sergeants' well-being. The non-stop demands of the job, coupled with trauma witnessed, are leading to alarming rates of depression, sleeplessness, and substance abuse. America owes these brave men and women, who train the next generation of soldiers, a serious debt. We must prioritize their mental health and get them the support they urgently require. The future of the Army depends on it.

That's some serious overtime! Drill sergeants work an astonishing 15-hour day, grinding away nearly 6.5 days a week. With a minimum 2-year hitch in this high-intensity role, the relentless schedule of an Army drill sergeant is off the charts, even for the military. Talk about dedication. These tough-as-nails leaders sure earn their paycheck, putting in the long hours to mold new recruits into soldiers. You've gotta admire their work ethic and commitment, with days that start before the crack of dawn and end long after sunset. It's an awe-inspiring yet demanding life that's certainly not for the faint of heart. Hats off to these tireless professionals who lead by example, motivating and training recruits around the clock to meet the Army's high standards. That takes some serious grit and stamina!

By Chris Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor