We lost four of our Marines...
Below is a letter wrote to us and the other families of HMH-361 about the CH53E that we lost last week. The kids and I are so thankful that Kirk was not flying that day. He is a Gunner on those aircraft, and until we heard from him that morning, it was a very scary time for us all...My heart goes out to all these families.
Dear Family and Friends,
On the morning of Jan 26, 2004, "Tiger 60", a helicopter crewed by Captain Chris Alaniz, Captain Lyle Gordon, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble, and Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez was flying a mission in the Western Iraqi Desert to transport 27 Marines to an outlying base. At approximately 0120 local Iraq time, their aircraft crashed. All personnel on board "Tiger 60" perished.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our fallen Marines during this time of unthinkable grief. On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of HMH-361, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family members of Captain Chris Alaniz, Captain Lyle Gordon, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble, and Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez.
On numerous occasions, I've personally had the honor of flying with each member of the crew of "Tiger 60". Their professionalism and devotion to duty, both on the ground and in the air, were a great source of pride for me personally as well as for the entire Squadron. They had my unconditional trust and confidence.
I can only begin to comprehend the depth of sorrow the family members of the crew of "Tiger 60" are going through right now but I hope they take solace in the knowledge that Captain Chris Alaniz, Captain Lyle Gordon, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble, and Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez gave their lives in the defense of our freedom and for that we are forever in their debt. It is truly tragic that we lose Marines of the caliber of the crew of Tiger 60, but I take comfort in the certainty that we are all better off for having known them. They will not be forgotten.
Semper Fidelis
Anthony L. Winters
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC
Commanding Officer
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361
1234
Dear Family and Friends,
On the morning of Jan 26, 2004, "Tiger 60", a helicopter crewed by Captain Chris Alaniz, Captain Lyle Gordon, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble, and Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez was flying a mission in the Western Iraqi Desert to transport 27 Marines to an outlying base. At approximately 0120 local Iraq time, their aircraft crashed. All personnel on board "Tiger 60" perished.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our fallen Marines during this time of unthinkable grief. On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of HMH-361, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family members of Captain Chris Alaniz, Captain Lyle Gordon, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble, and Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez.
On numerous occasions, I've personally had the honor of flying with each member of the crew of "Tiger 60". Their professionalism and devotion to duty, both on the ground and in the air, were a great source of pride for me personally as well as for the entire Squadron. They had my unconditional trust and confidence.
I can only begin to comprehend the depth of sorrow the family members of the crew of "Tiger 60" are going through right now but I hope they take solace in the knowledge that Captain Chris Alaniz, Captain Lyle Gordon, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble, and Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez gave their lives in the defense of our freedom and for that we are forever in their debt. It is truly tragic that we lose Marines of the caliber of the crew of Tiger 60, but I take comfort in the certainty that we are all better off for having known them. They will not be forgotten.
Semper Fidelis
Anthony L. Winters
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC
Commanding Officer
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361
1234
posted by Mom2DraBrittGunn at
12:21 PM
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