Two missing soldiers found

Advertiser Staff

After an 18-hour search involving police, fire-rescue crews and more than 100 soldiers, two military men from Schofield Barracks were found safe yesterday.

The Army said 1st Lt. Ian Grimstad and Staff Sgt. Gerar Avila-Rodriguez were spotted by the Honolulu Fire Department's Air One helicopter at 11:15 a.m. near the Boy Scout Camp on Pupukea Road off the Kahuku Training Area.

The men had been reported missing Saturday when they failed to return from a run near Helemano Military Reservation. Both are assigned to the Fifth Infantry regiment. The pair ran along trails through the reservation and then decided to go across country, but darkness fell before they could make their way out.

The search involved the 25th Infantry Division (Light), the Honolulu Police Department and the Fire Department.

After the men were spotted by the HFD helicopter, a truck was sent. A military helicopter flew them back to the military reservation, where they were reported in good condition.

The search also involved helicopters launched from Wheeler Army Airfield and centered on popular trails, said Lt. Col. Tom H. Barth.