FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WTVF) — The U.S. Army has released the names of the nine victims killed in Wednesday night's crash during a training exercise involving two Black Hawk helicopters out of Fort Campbell.
· Warrant Officer 1 Jeffery Barnes, 33, of Milton, Florida
· Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, 23, of Austin, Texas
· Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza, 36, of Jackson, Missouri
· Sgt. Isaacjohn Gayo, 27, of Los Angeles, California
· Staff Sgt. Joshua C. Gore, 25, of Morehead City, North Carolina
· Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy, 32, of Cape Coral, Florida
· Staff Sgt. Taylor Mitchell, 30, of Mountain Brook, Alabama
· Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, 32, of Rolla, Missouri
· Sgt. David Solinas, Jr., 23, of Oradell, New Jersey
Commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Maj. Gen. J.P. McGee, offered the following statement:
“This is a time of great sadness for the 101st Airborne Division. The loss of these Soldiers will reverberate through our formations for years to come. Now is the time for grieving and healing. The whole division and this community stand behind the families and friends of our fallen Soldiers.”
An Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama is currently investigating the deadly crash.
Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam said, "We realize that in the times of war, but in the time of training, I don’t think we fully grasp it and expect it."
In North Carolina, a memorial at a church was set up for Staff Sgt. Joshua Caleb Gore's family. And here at home, flags are at half-staff. "They’re preparing to protect our freedom, and they paid the ultimate sacrifice preparing for that," Gilliam said, “It shows the reality of warfare, it shows the reality of training and how dangerous their occupation is,” Gilliam said.
Public officials are working to assist the soldiers families by collecting gift cards for them. Gift card suggestions include Walmart, VISA, Commissary, GrubHub, PX, and Starbucks. Some of the bigger food chains available on post include Panera, KFC, Subway, Dominos, Taco Bell and Burger King.
Gift cards can be dropped at the Hopkinsville City Hall, Oak Grove City Hall or to the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. Please note who the donation is from as well.
