9 soldiers killed in Kentucky helicopter crash honored 1 year later with memorial
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN) — Friday marks one year since two Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Trigg County, killing nine Fort Campbell soldiers, However, they will not be forgotten by the 101st Airborne Division.
On Thursday, soldiers and the community honored the ultimate sacrifice those soldiers made in March 2023.
“To permanently and forever recognize the sacrifice of those soldiers on that day is super important for us,” Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, the public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division, said.
APRIL 2023: Fort Campbell honors 9 soldiers killed in Black Hawk helicopter crash
Traveling in two separate helicopters, nine soldiers were completing a routine training operation at night when they crashed on March 29, 2023.
Sgt. Isaacjohn Gayo, Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, Sgt. David Solinas Jr., Staff Sgt. Joshua “Caleb” Gore, Staff Sgt. Taylor Mitchell, Warrant Officer Jeffery Barnes, Warrant Officer Aaron Healy, Chief Warrant Officer Rusten Smith, and Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza made the ultimate sacrifice that day.
“Anytime you lose anyone of your team, it’s hard,” Hoefler said. “And when you lose this many soldiers in one accident, it’s tragic, it’s tough.”
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Since then, surrounding communities have rallied around the families.
In a continuation of that love, a double-sided memorial featuring the names and photos of the fallen soldiers was unveiled, giving loved ones a chance to be with their child, sibling, spouse, or parent.
“We honor those that have fallen,” Hoefler said. “We honor those that serve. We honor those that sacrifice. And you never want to have a day like today where you are remembering those who have died in the service of their nation, but serving and sacrificing is at the heart of what we do in the U.S. Army.”
DECEMBER 2023: Remembering the 101st soldiers killed in Black Hawk crash
In a show of togetherness, Gold Star families placed yellow roses at the memorial recognizing their loved ones. A quarter was left by the soldiers who responded to and witnessed the crash, a dime by those who served alongside the fallen service members, a nickel by anyone who trained with them, and a penny by anyone who wanted to pay respects.
“It’s a small memorial next to a bigger memorial to say, ‘Hey listen, I’m here, I’m a part of this, I remember, I honor you,'” Hoefler said.
The memorial will remain on Memorial Row at Fort Campbell, representing a continued honor and respect for the fallen service members’ lives and legacies. Soldiers said it will be a place to return to every year in remembrance.
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