HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - While the origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity, many at Hunter Army Airfield proved that fallen warriors' commemorations are not only inscribed in stone but also in the hearts of many still today.
Fallen Soldiers and their Family Members were honored during a monument re-dedication at Hunter, May 21. The ceremony was held in remembrance of the six Knighthawk Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, who were killed when their UH-60 Blackhawk, "Storm 6," crashed during combat operations in Iraq, April 2, 2003.
"The names we honor today are among our nations' finest," said Lt. Col. Thomas Smedley, 2/3 Avn. commander. "This Memorial Day, let us never forget their sense of duty, their sense of patriotism, and the honor they leave behind for us to carry forth into whatever mission lays ahead."
The monument was moved from the brigade headquarters and now rests in front of the 2/3 Avn. battalion headquarters. And even though the marker was unveiled five years ago, on the one-year anniversary of the crash, some are seeing it for the very first time.
"After Michael's death, it was just a lot to be able to do anything," said Lila Lipscomb, mother of fallen Soldier Sgt. Michael Pederson.
Lipscomb, who traveled from Michigan to attend the memorial ceremony, said she felt this was something she had to do in honor of her son.
"Now, six years have passed, and it's like I have to be here now," she said. "I just have to, to keep him alive and be a part of the guys he loved so much, because he loved this place."
The following 2/3 Avn. Knighthawk "Storm 6" Soldiers died in Iraq that fateful day:
Capt. James F. Adamouski
Chief Warrant Officer Erik A. Halvorsen
Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar
Chief Warrant Officer Eric A. Smith
Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen
Spc. Matthew G. Boule
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