Fort Drum— In preparation for the possibility of an Iraq war, back in March 11, 2003 a Black Hawk Helicopter training mission went terribly wrong.
On March 20, 2003 the first invasion in Ba'athist, Iraq would mark the beginning of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” and consequently, 11 out of the 13 soldiers on board the Black Hawk, never lived to put their training to use.
Carrying 9 soldiers and 4 crew members, the UH-60 Black Hawk went off radar and was finally located 1 1/2 hours later by search and rescue. 10 years later and with “Operation Iraqi Freedom” behind them, the 10th Mountain Division chose to remember the tragedy.
Marking the 10th year anniversary, a wreath laying ceremony was conducted on Fort Drum in remembrance of the soldiers who lost their lives.
Captain Christopher E. Britton, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kenneth L. Miller, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation
Regiment
Staff Sergeant Brian Pavlich, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment
Sergeant John L. Eichenlaub, Jr. 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment
Sergeant Joshua M. Harapko, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment
Specialist Lucas V. Tripp, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
Specialist Barry M. Stephens, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
Private First Class Shawn A. Mayerscik, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry
Regiment
Private First Class Tommy C. Young, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment
Private First Class Stryder O. Stoutenburg, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry
Regiment
Private First Class Andrew D. Stevens, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment
