The first member of any branch of the American military to die from coronavirus was a member of the New Jersey National Guard, according to the Defense Department.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

The unidentified guardsman had tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized in Pennsylvania on March 21. He died at the hospital on Saturday.

Officials have not identified the guardsman but said he was a Pennsylvania resident at the time of his death.

In a statement, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said..

"Today is a sad day for the Department of Defense as we have lost our first American service member - active, reserve or Guard - to Coronavirus.

This is a stinging loss for our military community, and our condolences go out to his family, friends, civilian co-workers and the entire National Guard community. The news of this loss strengthens our resolve to work ever more closely with our interagency partners to stop the spread of COVID-19."

Source: NBC News

https://thefw.com/the-covid-19-stimulus-bill-broken-down-by-the-numbers/

More From SoJO 104.9 FM