Special operations Marine killed during airborne training ‘lived the ethos that defines our Marine Raider culture’

'Wolf was exactly what we look for when training students to become Marine Raiders.'

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jun 18, 2020 7:13 PM EDT

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A Marine Raider who was killed during airborne training has been identified as Sgt. Wolfgang “Wolf” K. Weninger, a critical skills operator with the Marine Raider Training Center, Corps officials have announced.

“Wolf was exactly what we look for when training students to become Marine Raiders,” the instructor cadre for his MARSOC training class said in a statement. “He was a consistent top performer, a natural leader, he never complained, and was always there to pick up his team during challenging events.”

Weninger was fatally injured while taking part in the Army’s Basic Airborne Course 24-20 at Fort Benning Georgia, according to Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. He had completed MARSOC training in October.

Investigators are looking into the circumstances of Weninger’s death. No more information about the incident was immediately available.

“Although he was just beginning his journey as a Marine Raider, his contributions to our legacy did not go unnoticed,” Col. Travis Homiak, commander of Marine Raider Training Center, said in a statement. “He lived the ethos that defines our Marine Raider culture, possessing unsurmountable determination, a deep sense of integrity, and an unconquerable spirit. That coupled with his witty sense of humor, he could always be sure to get a few laughs, even in the most challenging of times.”

Originally from Auburn, Ohio, Weninger joined the Marine Corps in May 2015 and graduated from boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He served as an armory custodian with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from November 2015 until December 2018. Then he began MARSOC training in January 2019.

“He was an avid and talented hockey player, and could often be found on the ice, even after a grueling and exhausting week of training,” the instructor cadre said in the statement. “We were proud and honored to have him join this formation and become a part of the Marine Raider legacy. We extend our sincere condolences to his family at this time.”