Another 2 Pilots Dead

scoutpilot

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An OH-58D went down again, likely due to hostile fire. The unit was set to begin to return to the States next week.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/nato-helicopter-crashes-afghanistan-troops-dead/story?id=17157930#.UEibKKkq9dw

A NATO helicopter crashed today in Eastern Afghanistan, killing two U.S. troops, the third time in 10 days that a coalition helicopter has come down.

The two Americans, who have not been named, were the only crew aboard the OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, according to a Defense Department official.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and officials have not ruled out that the chopper was shot down.

"Sometimes these things take weeks to determine the actual cause," Maj. Adam Wojack of the International Security Assistance Force said.

The incident happened in Logar Province, an area patrolled mostly by U.S. forces.

The Taliban quickly claimed responsibility, saying one of their fighters shot the aircraft down. Afghan sources in Logar say a heavy firefight broke out after the helicopter crashed.
 
Every loss of a military member's life is terrible, but as a spouse losses where they are set to come home in a few days is just so sad. Family members feel that they can finally breathe again, they start planning celebrations and vacations, only to have it ripped away like a carpet being pulled out from under their feet.

May their families find peace soon.
 
Every loss of a military member's life is terrible, but as a spouse losses where they are set to come home in a few days is just so sad. Family members feel that they can finally breathe again, they start planning celebrations and vacations, only to have it ripped away like a carpet being pulled out from under their feet.

May their families find peace soon.

Well we just got word that that may not be the case. It may be worse.
 
My hopes for the best, and prayers if it is the worse.
 
Sending prayers for the families and friends of these soldiers. RIP
 
Though not Air Force, they are definitely my brothers-in-arms...

Tonight I hoist a fine beverage and simply say:

"A Toast!"

USAFA folks understand...it's a personal thing, especially among aviators, and we are all kindred spirits.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Unfortunately, the initial word was correct. At least one of the pilots was from 1-17 Air Cavalry Squadron, 82d CAB, 82d Airborne Division. They were about 2 weeks from being home.

montenegro_jose.jpg


Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose Montenegro, age 32, of the Houston area.

Mr. Montenegro had served as an 11B light infantryman prior to attending Warrant Officer Candidate School. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot in the arm in a firefight in 2005.

Warrior.
 
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to these men and their families.
 
The dead are never forgotten to us, until we have forgotten them. Rest in peace, deepest bereavement toward their families.
 
Thalia-Ramirez31.jpg


CW2 Thalia Ramirez

Originally of Nairobi, Kenya, Ramirez joined the Army in 2003 as a water purification specialist, a news release states. She became a pilot in 2008 and was on her second deployment. According to the news release, Ramirez had flown more than 270 missions and 650 hours during her latest tour of duty.

Ramirez had recently escaped an insurgent attack, said Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Panza.

“In June, I was in an engagement with Thalia where our aircraft were being engaged by insurgents with (machine guns) in multiple locations,” Panza said in the news release. “Both aircraft took battle damage, but we continued the flight. We took out all the insurgents we could, then contained the enemy with our M-4s (rifles) until we could hand over the fight. That's the kind of warrior Thalia was.”

She leaves behind her husband, Jesse Belbeck, in the United States, and her mother and father, Justin Ramirez and Alexandra Moll, in Kenya.


Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/S-A-soldier-dies-in-chopper-crash-in-Afghanistan-3852120.php#ixzz26VBH1CjS
 
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