Tragic news in from LTC von Eschenbach, please keep all these young Troopers, their families and fellow Troopers in your prayers. The chopper went down near Kandahar city according to early reports.
I’ve reopened our 3-17th Support page on our Spur site in their honor.
God bless our fallen Troopers – Bear
“Bear-wanted to let you know that the 5 fatalities from the recent UH-60 crash in Afghanistan were from TF Lighthorse. Bravo Company 4-3 AVN was the assault company that was attached to the Squadron Taskforce for their current deployment to RC-South. Keep them in your prayers and wanted to see if you can send a note out to the Spurs and others.”
Related news articles:
6 Stewart-based soldiers killed in Afghanistan – ArmyTimes – 14 March 2013
Helicopter crash killing 5 stuns Ft. Stewart – ArmyTimes – 15 March 2013
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
March 16, 2013
The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died March 11, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation. Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Steven P. Blass, 27, of Estherville, Iowa. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Henderson, 27, of Franklin, La. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
Capt. Sara M. Knutson, 27, of Eldersburg, Md. She was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
Staff Sgt. Marc A. Scialdo, 31, of Naples, Fla. He was assigned to the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
Spc. Zachary L. Shannon, 21, of Dunedin, Fla. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
For more information, media may contact the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Public Affairs Office at 912-210-9375.
More tragic news:
Friends and Family of Lighthorse,
Today we said good-bye to a Lighthorse hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation on March 16, 2013. [Chief Warrant Officer James E. Groves III].
On behalf of the entire Lighthorse Family, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow Soldiers of our fallen.
Words can’t describe what we are feeling at this time, but I will say that we were all honored to serve alongside of this hero. Our task force will once again come together to comfort one another and continue the mission to honor his life.
We ask that you pray for the other crewmember that has undergone surgery and is still being closely monitored. Our home detachment and family readiness group are absolutely committed to the care and support to the family of the fallen and the injured Soldier. We are incredibly fortunate to have a great team at home to support.
We will remain resolute in our mission here to support the ground forces to honor and show respect for our hero and all the fallen Soldiers.
LTC Michael Demirjian
March 17, 2013
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer James E. Groves III, 37, of Kettering, Ohio, died March 16 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. This incident is under investigation.
For more information please contact the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Public Affairs Office at 912-210-9375.
Kettering pilot was near end of final tour by Terry Morris – 18 March 2013
Stewart-Hunter soldier dies in Afghanistan – ArmyTimes – 1 April 2013
Chief Warrant Officer Curtis S. Reagan
Our hearts and prayers go out to these men and their families.
We above all understand the cost of war and the price paid. It is more sad to hear of such a loss in one single incident.
While these men may no longer be with us physically -- They are with us in spirit.
There are no words of condolence that are fit in a time like this. I am sure all of us do offer our most sincere respect and condolences anyway and pray for all involved, including the families. These men served with great Courage and Honor and earned our respect and gratitude for their sacrifice.
May their Spirits Rise as Warriors, and remain with their Families, Loved Ones, and All of us.
I am deeply saddened this day with this news. I will be offering prayers for all. We may not know them today personally but, we will all be together at some point in the Spirit World.
Bless these Men and their families.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to all the families and the soldiers that lost their comrades in defense of our nation.
Each loss is very painful for all involved and reminds us that freedom isn’t free!