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Marine killed in rollover at Twentynine Palms base was part of elite training group

July 30, 2024

A highly trained 26-year-old staff sergeant who used his combat experience to mentor junior Marines was identified on Tuesday, July 30, as the person who died from injuries after a vehicle rollover on a range at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

Staff Sgt. Jerry L. Betzold, of Avon, Indiana, was pronounced dead by doctors at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs on Sunday, July 28, after suffering major injuries on Saturday while overseeing a training exercise at the base. He was first treated at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms after the accident and then flown to the Palm Springs hospital on Sunday.

Betzold was driving a high-mobility multi-purpose vehicle across one of the ranges when it rolled over and severely injured him, said Capt. Johnathon Huizar. No other Marines were in the vehicle, which is agile and lightweight and can carry machine guns and anti-tank launchers.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jerry Betzold, with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, trains in a coxswain course at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, May 27, 2021. Betzold is a Avon, Ind. native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Marshall)

Huizar described Betzold as “an experienced infantry Marine” among an elite group of Marines at the base who mentor, teach and coach younger Marines. This group of Marines call themselves “coyotes.”

“He came with a lot of experience before he got here,” Huizar said. “His role is the center of excellence on ground maneuvers. His position was significant in developing young Marines.”

In their role, these coyotes, in signature neon-orange flak jackets, plan and run the training exercises at the combat center, known for its rigorous ranges and vast training areas, as well as observe and assess training to ensure Marines are ready for their next mission or deployment.

The coyotes are known to work hard and long hours, especially during service-level training when units from across the Marines come out to the desert base to learn more skills and become better warfighters, Marine officials said.

“Staff Sergeant Jerry Betzold represents all that is good and pure in our nation and Corps,” said Col. David Hart, director of Tactical Training Exercise Control Group. “He tragically lost his life while working to ensure our combat formations remain ready when the nation needs them.”

“His loss is deeply felt across our Marine Corps family,” Hart added. “Our hearts and full support will remain with his family and friends as we all navigate this extremely difficult time.”

Bitzold enlisted in the Marines on Aug. 15, 2016, and trained as an infantry Marine. In 2021, he deployed to Okinawa with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, also based at Twentynine Palms. He was just promoted to staff sergeant on March 1.

His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (second award), Sea Service Deployment Medal (fourth award), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

The incident is under investigation by NCIS, as all military deaths are.

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Marine killed in rollover at Twentynine Palms base was part of elite training group

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