Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued this statement today following the Army releasing the names of the nine soldiers killed in the helicopter accident near Fort Campbell on Wednesday, March 29, 2023:
“Late Wednesday night, we tragically lost nine brave soldiers. Two Blackhawk helicopters of the 101st Airborne Division crashed while conducting important aircrew training. Elaine and I join Kentuckians across the Commonwealth in grieving the loss of these selfless men and women whose dedication to defending our Nation resulted in their making the ultimate sacrifice.
“These heroes were among our nation’s most skilled and specially-trained aviators. Their names will live forever in our American memory: Jeffery Barnes, Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, Zachary Esparza, Isaacjohn Gayo, Joshua C. Gore, Aaron Healy, Taylor Mitchell, Rusten Smith, and David Solinas Jr.
“My team and I are in contact with Army officials and the Department of Emergency Management. We’ll continue to stay closely in touch with Fort Campbell and local authorities on the ground. I am grateful to the first responders who rushed to the scene and for the outpouring of community support for the affected unit and families.
“This tragic accident is a salient reminder of the daily sacrifice that our Nation’s servicemembers and their families make, whether deployed or here at home. Our entire country holds the families of these fallen heroes close in prayer. Their elite brigade has long been nicknamed the ‘Wings of Destiny.’ Now we pray that the wings of destiny have borne these brave young Americans up into the loving embrace of their Father in Heaven.”
###