Operation Iraqi Freedom Purple Heart Winner Drowns On Hernando County Golf Course

Posted Jan 3, 2012 by Howard Altman

Updated Jan 3, 2012 at 01:36 PM

Florida Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Voiles survived the war in Iraq, where he received a Purple Heart for his service.

But Voiles, 43, of Brooksville, died Monday when he drowned in a lake at a west Florida golf course, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Voiles had been hired as a diver to retrieve golf balls. He was not on duty at the time of his death.

Voiles was assigned to A Company, 53rd Brigade Support Battalion, as a traditional National Guard soldier. A Company, 53rd Brigade Support Battalion is based in Pinellas Park.

According to the Florida National Guard:

Voiles served as a motor transport operator, and had more than 20 years of military service. He deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Tennessee National Guard 2004-2005, serving in Kuwait and Iraq. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. He joined the Florida Army National Guard in January 2006.

According to Hernando County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Cpl. Wendy McGinnis, Voiles was a certified diver and was searching for golf balls Monday afternoon in the lake at the Sherman Hills Golf Course in Brooksville.

He was reported missing Monday evening and divers from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the search. Law enforcement officials recovered the body of Voiles Tuesday morning shortly before 11 a.m., and have ruled the death an accident.

“Our entire Florida National Guard family is saddened by Staff Sgt. Voiles’ death,” said Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr., the Adjutant General of Florida.

“His service to this nation, to Florida, and the 53rd Infantry Brigade are appreciated and will be remembered by his comrades who served with him in uniform. We offer our heartfelt thoughts, prayers and support to the family during this tragic time.”