On
April 6, 2005 during a supply and transport mission, a CH47
CHINOOK helicopter (similar to the one pictured at left) based in Bagram, Afghanistan crashed during
severe weather. The aircraft, one of a two-flight mission, was
en route from Kandahar to Bagram Airfield. All 18 crew and
passengers were killed in the crash.
On board the helicopter were 15 members of the U.S. military of
which three were members of the 1st Battalion, 508th PIR.
There were also three military contractors aboard.
Memorial Service was conducted inside the compound. Note sandbags used
to hold the regimental banner.
[l-r] SSgt Ramones Woodard, Cpl Sascha Struble
and Cpl Daniel Freeman
were the three men of 1/508th lost when their chopper crashed
Personal Equipment of Woodard, Struble and Freeman was displayed in traditional
'Fallen Warrior' fashion.
Bagpipes Drone brought special music to the ceremony
Final Salute by an unidentified trooper
Last Goodbye by an unidentified trooper
1st
Battalion, 508th Guidon flutters in the breeze
Names
and Insignia for the 12 military personnel lost in the crash were posted.
There were also 3 civilian contractors on board the chopper.
Bronze Star Medal and clothing of one victim was on display as well.
Fond Memories of SSgt Woodard was evident in the photo display put
together as a tribute to him.
Comrades Recognition
as prayers are said in front of the traditional boots and helmet
displays. Black helmets are those of the Ch-47 crew
members while the cammo head pieces are those of the 508th men
Final Respects by unidentified 508ers
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