Freedom isn’t free.
A strong reminder of such came Thursday morning in Fort Campbell, when more than 300 soldiers, veterans, civilians and grieving friends and family somberly gathered along Kentucky Avenue and Memorial Row — in order to pay respects and offer remembrance in the shadow of a new stone monument honoring the nine souls from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, who on March 29, 2023, perished following the collision of two HH-60 helicopters above western Trigg County.
The monument itself is three black granite pillars, carved in relief an HH-60 Blackhawk lifting a medic, the infamous “Screaming Eagles” patch, and the names of the nine.
Out front, on a pedestal, a bronzed flight helmet with night vision goggles.
Scores lined up to leave behind tokens of gratitude, each with purpose and meaning. A yellow rose came from a family member. A penny signified respect. A nickel signified having trained with one of the fallen. A dime signified having served with one of members. And a quarter signified having been present on the night of their death.
Chaplain Michael Dawson brought prayer, silencing the gathering.
All nine soldiers were posthumously admitted to The Order of St. Michael, an Army Aviation Association of America award — presented to nominated Army aviators who make a significant contribution to their field and highly demonstrate the “Army Values.”
Major Garrett W. Kuipers, company commander for the C/6-101, said hearts have remained heavy over the last year.
However, the challenge has long been issued to live as the nine had.
Colonel Clint Cody, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, noted it took considerable efforts to bring this memorial into reality — a memorial that soldiers won’t be able to miss along their PT and “Week of the Eagles” routes.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, four helicopters flew over in formation — much of the gallery weeping as they passed.
