| He was remembered by his colleagues as a noncommissioned officer who upheld the strictest standards when it came to clearing helicopters for flight.
Hansen is survived by his mother and stepfather, Beth and James Karlson of Clintonville, Wis. 626th Forward Support Battalion Capt. Pierre E. Piche
Piche was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, and had more than three years of enlisted Army service prior to his college education. He was commissioned as an Infantry officer in May 2000. After serving his term as an Infantry officer, he was detailed to the Ordnance Corps and was assigned as a maintenance platoon leader with the 626th. He was remembered by his friends for personally taking on the task of training his soldiers in infantry combat tactics prior to the ground war, so that they would be as prepared as possible for any enemy engagements. Many of his friends also spoke at the ceremony of his deep love for his wife, Cherish. He had planned on leaving the Army to pursue a career in education, but was dedicated to his unit and felt that it was important to remain with them for the duration of the deployment. He is survived by his wife Cherish, his mother Lisa Johnson, and his father Pierre Piche. Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Martin L. Bolor
Bolor was a veteran soldier, first enlisting in the Army in 1984. He spent time in the Army Reserve, and also served with the 137th Combat Support Company in the first Gulf war. At home station, he was often called upon to fill in as first sergeant, and was noncommissioned officer in charge of the ground convoy into Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In a teary farewell speech, one of his soldiers spoke of his hard-working dedication to the unit, how he took care of his soldiers and always put their needs first, promising to help fulfill his goal of returning everyone home safely. He is survived by his wife Kelly Jean and son Kyle Kaleikaumaka Bolor. Spc. John R. Sullivan
Sullivan, known as “Sully” to his friends in the unit, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1997 as a wheeled vehicle repairman. He separated from the reserves in 2002, but chose to come onto active duty in May 2003. He was assigned to Company B, 626th, in July and worked in the maintenance platoon. At the ceremony, his co-workers spoke of his dedication to duty and the many long days and nights he spent working on vehicles to ensure that the unit was always ready. He was also remembered as a soldier who always had a smile on his face. He is survived by his wife Katrina Sullivan, his daughter Jade, and two twin boys born in September, Aiden and Gavin. 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment
Spc. Damian Heidelberg enlisted in the Army in September 2002 and was assigned to Fort Campbell in January, deploying with his unit the next month. He was described by members of his unit Wednesday in a ceremony at Tallafar as a soldier who had in him the makings of a hero. A unit mail clerk, a logistics convoy that Heidelberg was in had been ambushed less than two weeks before. During the firefight, he showed his true character as he attended to the wounded, and refused to leave the area, despite enemy fire, until all of the injured soldiers were evacuated. He was also known as a soldier who cared about his job, and worked hard to improve the mail delivery system for his unit. He is survived by his one-year old daughter Staceyera, and his mother Debra. 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment
“These soldiers and their distinct personalities can never be replaced,” said Capt. Vincent Generoso, commander, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, at the memorial service Thursday for the five members of 1st Bn., 320th FA Rgt., who died in the crash. “Each of these five men touched us, each in a different way,” said 1st Sgt Mathew Nagel, first sergeant, C Bat. 1st Bn. 320th FA Rgt. “These men never quit, never faltered, never complained, they simply did their job with character, dignity and pride. These are true American heroes.” Sgt. Michael Acklin
Acklin joined the Army in 1999, his assignments included Field Artillery units at Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Campbell. Acklin is remembered by his friends as a pious man, a gentle man, and a good listener. He often helped people when they came to him with problems. “ He always wanted to be a preacher,” said Sgt. Robert Rittenhouse, C Battery, 1st Bn. 320th FA Rgt. Acklin is survived by his parents, Michael Acklin and Dorothy Acklin. Sgt. Eugene Uhl
Uhl was in the National Guard from January of 1999 to March of 2002. He then joined the regular Army, finished his training at Fort Sill, Okla., he entered the ranks of the “Top Gun” soldiers of C Battery, 1st Bn., 320th FA Rgt. “ He was a devoted and dedicated man,” said Sgt. Teddy Lawrence, a friend from C Battery. “He was devoted to everybody he met…but he was most devoted to his fiancée.” Uhl is survived by his parents Eugene Uhl and Joan Uhl. Pfc. Richard Hafer
Hafer joined the Army in 2002. After finishing basic training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Okla., he arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky, where he joined C Battery. Nicknamed “Cornbread,” Hafer was “a big guy who felt that he had to take care of everybody,” Lawrence said. Hafer is survived by his parents Richard Hafer and Sherry Barclay. Pfc. Sheldon Hawkeagle
Hawkeagle also entered the Army in 2002. He spent his training at Fort Sill, Okla., and then was assigned to Fort Campbell. While at Campbell he was attached to C Battery, 1st Bn., 320th FA Rgt. He was “a friend who would give everything and ask for nothing,” said Pfc. Elroy Duran, a friend from C Battery. Hawkeagle was “a strong man, caring and compassionate with a kind heart,” said Pfc. Leo Baskatawang. Hawkeagle is survived by his sister Frankie Hawkeagle and his aunt Barbra West. Pfc. Joey Whitener
Whitener joined the military in 2002. After training in Oklahoma, he entered C Battey, 1st Bn., 320th FA Rgt. at Fort Campbell. At 19 years old, Whitener recently became a father. Though young in age, he always was ready to do his job to the best of his ability, and showed an experience beyond his years, Rittenhouse said. Whitener is survived by his wife Elizabeth Whitener and son Tristan Whitener. |
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