Latest news with #DustinWright
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Army pilot killed in helicopter training accident in Kentucky identified
A 40-year-old Army pilot was killed, and a second pilot was injured, in a helicopter training accident Wednesday evening at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, the Army post said. The soldier killed was identified Friday by the 101st Airborne Division as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright. In a post to social media earlier Friday, the 101st Airborne Division said the incident involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter had occurred in "preparation for the Army's 250th birthday," the festival and parade being held in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary — that also coincides with President Trump's 79th birthday. However, in a follow-up post, the division said it wanted to "clarify" that the incident "occurred during a routine attack aviation training mission inside the Fort Campbell training area. The crew was not in direct support of Week of the Eagles or Army Birthday." A spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division also told CBS News by phone Friday that the training exercise had "100% nothing to do with the birthday parade in D.C." and was simply "happening while the Army prepares for the 250th birthday date." Week of the Eagles is an annual event that honors the heritage of the 101st Airborne Division. The injured pilot was treated and released from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital for minor injuries, officials said. No further details were provided. The incident is under investigation. Wright joined the Army in 2010 and had served at Fort Campbell since May 2022. He was highly-decorated, having been awarded the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Parachutist Badge, among others, his division said. "The entire 101st Combat Aviation Brigade grieves the loss of CW2 Dustin Wright," Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, said in a statement Friday. "A former Infantryman, Dustin cherished every opportunity to be outside and support ground troops. He did so with strength and honor. We will forever cherish the memories of his service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him." Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was among those offering condolences to the family of the soldier who died. "No matter how it happens, when we lose someone who has committed to serving our country, I know it hurts that family but it should hurt us all," the Democratic governor said Thursday. Kentucky state Sen. Craig Richardson, whose western Kentucky district includes the Fort Campbell area, said the soldier's death was heartbreaking. "This tragedy is a solemn reminder that the dangers our military faces are not limited to distant battlefields," the Republican lawmaker said. "The call to serve brings risks at home, in training, preparation, and quiet readiness." The sprawling Fort Campbell post straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee line.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Army Corp dedicates new survey vessels to Georgia soldiers killed in action
The Brief The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District dedicated three new survey vessels named after Georgia soldiers killed in action, honoring their service during a ceremony on June 12. The vessels—Wright, Chisholm, and Beale—will support dredging, surveying, and navigation efforts across Savannah Harbor, Brunswick Harbor, and the Georgia coast. Family members of the fallen soldiers attended the emotional christening, with tributes from Corps leadership and a color guard from one honoree's former high school. SAVANNAH, Ga. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District held a solemn ceremony Thursday to dedicate three new hydrographic survey vessels in honor of Georgia soldiers who lost their lives in combat. The June 12 event, held at the district's Engineers Depot in Savannah, drew more than 160 guests in person and online. Each vessel now bears the name of a fallen hero: the 30-foot Wright, named after Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright of Lyons; the 27-foot Chisholm, honoring Sgt. Tyrone Lanard Chisholm of Savannah; and the 23-foot Beale, for Sgt. 1st Class John C. Beale of Riverdale. "These vessels will carry the names and memories of three remarkable soldiers as they support the vital missions of this district," said Col. Ron Sturgeon, Savannah District Commander. "Their stories, their sacrifices, and their service will remain with us." The vessels are designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid dredging operations, detect submerged hazards, and ferry personnel and gear across critical water infrastructure. They will serve in the Savannah and Brunswick harbors and along the Georgia section of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The ceremony featured a presentation of colors by Groves High School's JROTC, Chisholm's alma mater, and a blessing and christening delivered by USACE Command Chaplain Col. J.R. Lorenzen—part of a longstanding maritime tradition that marks the beginning of a vessel's service. Family members of the soldiers attended, including Christal Beale, who described the tribute to her late husband as deeply moving. "It was beautiful, heartwarming, and meaningful," she said. "Seeing the other families there was a reminder of the bonds we share, and how we continue to carry their legacy." Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, 29, served as a Special Forces engineer with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Fort Bragg. He was killed during a mission in Niger on Oct. 4, 2017, while assisting local military forces. Wright was a native of Lyons. Sgt. Tyrone Chisholm, 27, was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson. He died Nov. 11, 2005, while serving as a tank gunner in Tal Afar, Iraq, during combat patrols. Chisholm was a native of Savannah. Sgt. 1st Class John C. Beale, 39, served with the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade. He was killed June 4, 2009, in an attack in Afghanistan while supporting the development of Afghan security forces. Beale was a native of Calhoun. "These boats are more than just tools," said Col. Sturgeon. "They are living memorials to the brave men who gave their all."
