Minn. Soldier Killed in Helicopter Crash Remembered by Mom: ‘He Always Knew He Wanted to Join the Army’

Sgt. Cade Wolfe is being remembered for his love of serving his country after he was involved in a deadly helicopter crash during military training.

A Minnesota soldier is being remembered for his love of serving his country after he was involved in a deadly helicopter crash during military training.

Sgt. Cade Wolfe, of Mankato, was one of five members of the U.S. armed forces who were killed in the helicopter crash over Veterans Day weekend. The Department of Defense said their MH-60 Blackhawk crashed Friday during “routine flight training” in the Mediterranean Sea.

Family told CBS affiliate WCCO-TV that Wolfe — who had just marked his 24th birthday on Nov. 8 — “loved” what he did for a living. “It was always what he wanted to do as a child, straight through junior high and high school, he always knew he wanted to join the Army," his mother, Julia Molden, explained.

Related: 3 Soldiers Dead, 1 Injured After 2 U.S. Army Helicopters Collide in Alaska

Teachers from Wolfe’s alma mater, Mankato East High School, also said Wolfe was passionate about joining the service. "Cade had such a high regard for that type of path himself," Mary Nelson told WCCO-TV. "And he was humble about it.”

Amber Prange, a social studies teacher, added that Wolfe was one of few students who always stood for the pledge of allegiance. She also highlighted his love for topics like veterans and war. 

“Some kids you can see the light bulb go on about why it's important to honor those who serve our country,” Prange explained to the outlet. “And why that sacrifice is a huge deal and I remember seeing that in him specifically.”

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Related: 9 People Are Dead After 2 U.S. Army Blackhawk Helicopters Crash in Kentucky

Wolfe followed in his family’s footsteps when he enlisted in 2018. Both of his parents previously served in the armed forces, according to WCCO-TV.

"As a parent of military children, I know the dangers. But I also know what they need to do and the importance of this," Molden told the outlet.

Wolfe’s body still has not been found. But Molden hopes it will be located so his family “can have a proper burial for him."

Four other service members —  Chief Warrant Officers Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, and Shane M. Barnes, 34, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, and Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27 — died in Friday’s crash.

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