Free Republic

KABUL, Oct. 26, 2009 – Separate helicopter incidents today claimed the lives of 11 U.S. servicemembers and three U.S. civilians in Afghanistan, military officials reported. Officials of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said four U.S. servicemembers died when two ISAF helicopters apparently collided over southern Afghanistan, and seven U.S. servicemembers and three U.S. civilians were killed when their helicopter went down “due to unconfirmed reasons” in western Afghanistan. In addition to the four servicemembers killed in the apparent collision incident, two more were injured, officials said, adding that hostile fire is not believed to be a factor. In the...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 19, 2005) -- The Gunrunners of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 have transferred their mission to the Warriors of HML/A-167. The squadron will soon return to Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., after six months deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “It’s an honor to be part of the history of Iraq,” said Cpl. Chris J. Henderson, HML/A-269 administrative clerk and Baton Rouge, La., native. “We had a mission set out for us before coming out here and we accomplished it in a way that makes our unit proud.” With only half of their...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 18, 2005) -- Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 arrived here recently to continue the combat support mission HML/A-269 has executed for the last six months. Flying AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys, the unit is here to provide offensive air support, utilities support and armed escort to Multi-National Forces–West and the Marines on the ground. “The ‘Warriors’ are ready,” said Lt. Col. Lawrence E. Killmeier, HML/A-167 commanding officer and native of Knoxville, Tenn. “We’re living up to our mantra - have guns, will travel - we’re here and we brought our guns.” Familiar with Al Asad...