Friday, August 24, 2007

Blackhawk Crash Claims 14 Soldiers


Blackhawk Crash Claims 14 US Soldiers

The Department of Defense announced the death of 14 soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 22 in Multaka, Iraq, of injuries suffered when their helicopter crashed. All of the soldiers were members of Task Force Lightning.

The military said initial indications showed the UH-60 helicopter experienced a mechanical problem and was not brought down by hostile fire, but the cause of the crash was still under investigation. It was one of two helicopters on a nighttime operation.

Killed were the following soldiers assigned to the 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.:

Capt. Corry P. Tyler, 29, of Georgia.

Chief Warrant Officer Paul J. Flynn, 28, of Whitsett, N.C.

Sgt. Matthew L. Tallman, 30, of Groveland, Calif.

Spc. Rickey L. Bell, 21, of Caruthersville, Mo.

Also killed were the following soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii:

Capt. Derek A. Dobogai, 26, of Fond du Lac, Wis.

Staff Sgt. Jason L. Paton, 25, of Poway, Calif.

Sgt. Garrett I. McLead, 23, of Rockport, Texas.

Cpl. Jeremy P. Bouffard, 21, of Middlefield, Mass.

Cpl. Phillip J. Brodnick, 25, of New Lenox, Ill.

Cpl. Joshua S. Harmon, 20, of Mentor, Ohio.

Cpl. Nathan C. Hubbard, 21, of Clovis, Calif.

Spc. Michael A. Hook, 25, of Altoona, Penn.

Spc. Jessy G. Pollard, 22, of Springfield, Mo.

Spc. Tyler R. Seideman, 20, of Lincoln, Ark.

This is a tragic loss to the family and friends of these Soldiers, the Brigade, and to all of America. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

1 comment:

Mike's America said...

A tragic, life altering day for their families. We honor the fallen and the families.

The only bright spot is that these tragedies are so few in the overall scheme of things. And we're eternally grateful that our country continues to produce such brave soldiers willing to take the risks and make the ultimate sacrifice.

There is no memorial, or service which can honor them better than that we continue with the work they undertook. Their spears and shields have fallen, but somewhere right now a hundred men and women are stepping forward to take the place of each one.

God Bless all of them.