Thank you for assistance after tragedy

On behalf of the soldiers and civilians of the 12th Aviation Battalion, please accept our sincere gratitude for your help and support during what we have deemed as our darkest hour. As you know, one of our helicopters experienced a tragic mishap on Monday, April 17, and was forced to execute an abrupt landing at the Breton Bay Golf and Country Club in Leonardtown. As a result of this incident, we lost a dear friend and team member, Specialist Jeremy Tomlin. However, fortunately due to fast response and selfless reaction of local residents, first responders and other rescue professionals, the remaining crew members sur vived what could have been a complete and catastrophic loss of the entire crew.

We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, the Breton Bay Golf and Country Club owner and staff, and all of the local organizations that came together throughout the entire week to help us cope with this disaster, share in our grieving and assist the recovery efforts of the damaged airframe. Please know that the soldiers and civilians that serve within the Wings of Freedom Battalion greatly appreciate each and every one of you. You all make us very proud to wear the uniform of an American soldier, and you all give us faith and confidence in the spirit of Americans to come together to face any challenge. Please consider yourself an honorary member of our unit as you will always have our deepest appreciation.

Specialist Jeremy Tomlin will forever be sorely missed, but he will never be forgotten. Again, we extend our deepest thanks to you.

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Hill

Lt. Col. Edward Meyers, Fort Belvoir, Va.