Bliss soldier presumed dead after accident at Elephant Butte Lake

A soldier missing since Saturday is presumed dead, the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command announced Wednesday. Travis J. Powell, 26, of Farmersville, Texas, was involved in an accident at approximately 1:20 pm, September 3, 2016, while tubing at Elephant Butte Lake, near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Powell flipped over in his tube and did not resurface. Local authorities and dive teams are working to locate Powell, who is presumed dead. The accident is under investigation. The soldier was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Powell, born January 7, 1990, in Texas, enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2013. Following basic training, he attended Air Defense Artillery Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and graduated as an Air Defense Battle Management System Operator. He arrived at Fort Bliss in July 2014 and was assigned to the HHB, 32d AAMDC. Since his arrival, Powell deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to support the 32d AAMDC’s operations as an Air Defense Operations NCO. He recently redeployed in November 2015. “Spc. Powell was an exceptional human being and a Soldier with many friends who was loved by all in our organization,” said Capt. Demetrius K. Morris, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery Commander. “His dynamic personality, strong sense of duty, and commitment to our mission made him an indispensable member of our team. He will be missed by us all.” Powell’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Powell is survived by a daughter, Marley Christine Powell.