A U.S. Army soldier who sustained serious injuries during a humanitarian support mission near Gaza this summer passed away on October 31, the Army reported on Monday. Sgt. Quandarius Davon Stanley, 23, was one of three service members injured in non-combat-related incidents during the mission, though two of them quickly returned to duty after minor injuries. Stanley, assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, faced injuries that ultimately ended his military service.
Stanley joined the Army in July 2020 as a motor transport operator and served with distinction. According to a defense official, his unit medically retired him on October 25, as his injuries rendered him unable to continue his service. He passed away six days later while under care.
Captain Shkeila Milford-Glover, spokesperson for the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, said that Stanley was injured during a May 2024 mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and was undergoing long-term medical treatment. Col. John “Eddie” Gray, commander of the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary, expressed admiration for Stanley’s leadership and contributions. “Sgt. Quandarius Stanley was an instrumental and respected leader in our unit, particularly during the mission to assist the people of Gaza with humanitarian aid. Our entire unit mourns with his family, and we will continue to offer them support during this challenging time,” Col. Gray said.
While officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of Stanley’s injuries, they confirmed the incident was not combat-related. Vice Admiral Bradley Cooper, Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, initially confirmed the injury in May, noting that Stanley had been treated at an Israeli hospital before being transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, in June.
The Gaza pier mission, part of an effort by the Biden administration to increase humanitarian aid access to Gaza amidst ongoing regional conflict, faced challenges from logistical and weather-related setbacks. During its limited operation of roughly 20 days, the mission successfully delivered 19.4 million pounds of humanitarian aid. However, the mission also highlighted systemic issues within U.S. Army watercraft logistics, as a recent Government Accountability Office report detailed. It found that Army watercraft are in a low state of readiness due to outdated vessels, parts shortages, and maintenance issues, impacting the effectiveness of these missions.
An online obituary celebrated Stanley’s impact on those around him, noting that he was “loved and cherished by many,” leaving “a void in the hearts of many.” His passing underscores the significant contributions and sacrifices made by service members supporting humanitarian efforts in challenging environments.
