The search for Private Caleb Lawrence, a 25-year-old U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Gregg-Adams, has taken a new turn as military officials confirm they are aware of his whereabouts. Despite this development, authorities continue to urge him to return voluntarily.
Military officials at Fort Gregg-Adams announced Tuesday that they have determined Private Lawrence’s location but have not disclosed further details. “We encourage Pvt. Lawrence to return to the installation voluntarily,” stated Dani Johnson, public affairs director for Fort Gregg-Adams’ Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) and Sustainment Center of Excellence. Johnson also expressed gratitude for the community’s support in efforts to locate Lawrence.
Caleb was last seen on February 22 during training at Fort Gregg-Adams and was declared Absent Without Leave (AWOL) on February 24 by the U.S. Army Quartermaster School. His disappearance deeply concerned family members and military officials, prompting an extensive search effort.
His mother, Renee Lawrence, remains hopeful but confused about his situation. She revealed that Adams County investigators in Colorado informed her that a hotel worker at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Center in Denver reported seeing her son on the morning of March 1. However, poor security camera footage prevented local police from confirming his identity.
“We have no family or friends near Denver. He doesn’t like big cities, and he prefers areas with lots of nature trails… Denver makes no sense,” Renee Lawrence stated, expressing her confusion over the possibility of her son being so far from his base.
While she no longer fears for his life, Renee remains deeply concerned about her son’s well-being and future. “He never told me anything but good things about his experience at Fort Gregg-Adams. That’s why this is all so strange,” she said.
The Army, in coordination with local law enforcement and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, continues to monitor the situation. Officials emphasize that if Lawrence turns himself in before reaching the 30-day AWOL threshold, the consequences will be less severe than if he is officially declared a deserter, which would trigger an arrest warrant.
“A soldier is declared AWOL when they leave their assigned post without permission of their immediate supervisor,” according to the Military Justice Center. AWOL typically applies to disappearances lasting between one and 29 days. If a soldier remains missing beyond 30 days, their status changes to desertion, a serious charge that could lead to significant legal and career consequences, including confinement, loss of pay, and a dishonorable discharge.
As of Tuesday, March 11, Lawrence remains 15 days away from being classified as a deserter. His mother continues to plead for him to return. “If he turns himself in before the 30-day mark, the consequences will be lighter than if he waits until he’s declared a deserter,” she explained. “That could significantly affect his future.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about Caleb Lawrence’s situation to contact the Fort Gregg-Adams Provost Marshal Office at (804) 734-7400. The military and his family remain hopeful for his safe return.
© 2025 The Salty Soldier All rights reserved.
The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of TheSaltySoldier.com.
