Bermudian Killed During US Marine Training
A Bermudian born highly decorated war vet was killed in an American military flight accident. Captain Jason Paynter was 38 years old.
Capt. Paynter and his family moved from Bermuda to the United States in 1982 when he was around 10 years old.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1989, and in 1997 was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. He graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration from San Diego State University and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in May of 2001.
Capt. Paynter served 21 years in the American military, including six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded numerous medals for his service in the military.
The plane carrying Capt Paynter crashed north of Atlanta near Georgia’s boundaries with North Carolina and Tennessee on April 12th during a routine cross-country training mission. The crash of the T-39 aircraft is still under investigation, said Navy Lt. Brett Dawson.
Three other men were aboard the plane, none of whom survived; retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles McDaniel, Marine Corps 1st Lt. Shawn Nice, and Navy Ensign Zachary Eckhart.
Capt. Paynter was the instructor on board the flight, training flight officers in specialized onboard tactical equipment like electronic countermeasures and weapons systems, and navigation and radar systems.
Burton Paynter holds up a photo of his son. Photo courtesy wday.com
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His father, Bermudian Burton Paynter said:
He was living his dream. He wanted to fly since he was a young man. I’ve always prepared myself for this day. Every time he left here and went to Iraq I wondered if he would come back.
A funeral was held on Sat, Apr 24 for Captain Paynter at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, NAS Pensacola, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Brandy, and his three children; Jason Jr, Destiny and Jasmine. [Obituary here]
Video report from the Pentagon Channel on the crash:
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News report on Capt Paynter’s death, his father is interviewed:
Bernews understands Capt. Paytner to be related to the “St Georges Paynters”. His grandfather Burton Paytner was a St.George’s Cup Match opening batsman and wicketkeeper in the 1930′s.
Bernews extends our sympathies to Capt Paynter’s family and friends.
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I miss you so much mr. leader(; and i wish you were down ehre with us still. And It`s been so hard for all of us and I love you
Capt Paynter was an absolute leader. I knew him very well. He was one of my best Sgt’s back in 1995. I went to his house and met his wife. I laughed often with him. I was thinking of him for so long this last year and this year and suddenly I happen to find my little green book. It’s a chilling premonition. For unknown reason I had him on my mind. I was searching for him to see how he was doing and I am so sad to here this news. Jason, I have tears in my eyes, I still remember your spirit de corps and you and me working side by side assisting me always on doing the best for the troops. I will never forget you. my condolences go to all his family and friends. Sincerely Ssgt Tony Vigo