Following the devastating crash of a military attack helicopter near Booneville, Miss., during a training flight on Friday, further details have emerged about the tragic incident and the soldiers who lost their lives.
The Mississippi National Guard revealed that the victims, though not publicly identified yet, were integral members of its aviation community. One was a part of the A Company, 1-149 Aviation Regiment Unit, and the other served in the D Company, 2-151 Lakota Medical Evacuation Unit. This loss underscores the depth of the tragedy, affecting two distinct units within the Guard and highlighting the diverse roles soldiers undertake even in training capacities.
The incident involved a two-seat AH-64 Apache helicopter, a mainstay in the U.S. Army’s attack aviation fleet, renowned for its advanced combat capabilities. The helicopter was on a training mission when it went down in a wooded area around 2 p.m., as stated by the Mississippi National Guard. The crash site’s location was further specified by the sheriff of Prentiss County, Randy Tolar, noting the aircraft fell near Mount Olive Baptist Church off Highway 30.
The loss of these soldiers during a training exercise is a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with military service, even during peacetime operations.