FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 13, 2001
RELEASE NUMBER 2001-02-11

ARMY ANNOUNCES SOLDIER DEATHS

     SCHOFIELD BARRACKS -- Six soldiers were killed and 11 others injured as a result of a helicopter training incident in the Kahuku Military Training Area at 7:40 p.m. Feb. 12. The division was conducting an infantry brigade combat team field exercise in the U.S. Army Kahuku Military Training Area located in the northern part of Oahu. More than 3,500 soldiers were participating in the exercise called Lightning Thrust Warrior. "We have notified our family members of this great tragedy," said Maj. Gen. James M. Dubik, commander, 25th Infantry Division (Light) and U.S. Army, Hawaii. Dead are: Maj. Robert L. Olson, a native of Minnesota. He was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, and was assigned as the battalion operations officer.

Chief Warrant Officer Four George P. Perry, of California, who was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, as a pilot.

Chief Warrant Officer Two Gregory I. Montgomery, a California native, was also assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, as a pilot and safety officer.

Sgt. Thomas E. Barber, a UH-60 crewmember, assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, was a native of Champlin, Minn.

Spec. Bob D. MacDonald, an Alta Loma, Calif., native who was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, as a UH-60 crew member.

Spec. Rafael Olvera-Rodriguez, an El Paso, Texas, native, was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, as a field artillery crewman.

Injured are:

Pfc. Denell L. Simmons, a Lampasas, Texas, native who is an infantryman assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, and was treated and released from Tripler Army Medical Center.

Pfc. Michael A. Welch, a Kenner, La., native who is a mortarman with C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, and is listed in stable condition at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Spec. Benjamin M. Brown III, a native of Franklinton, N.C., a mortarman assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment is listed in stable condition at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Pvt. Sergio Rodriguez-Trujillo, a native of Cuba, a mortarman assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment is listed stable condition at Tripler Army Medical Center. He was transferred from Queens Medical Center last night.

Spec. Derrick K. Burke, a native of Ucon, Idaho, is a UH-60 crewmember assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, was treated and released.

Sgt. Matthew S. Eshelman, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is an infantryman in C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. He was treated and released.

Sgt. Justin P. Kragenbrink, a native of Colorado, is a UH-60 crewmember assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment. He is listed in stable condition at the Tripler Army Medical Center.

Sgt. Juan C. Lopez-Rios, a native of Lompoc, Ca. is a mortarman in C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. He was treated and released from Tripler Army Medical Center.

Sgt. 1st Class Leslie E. Frye II, a native of Jeffersonville, Ind, who is assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, as an infantryman was treated and released.

Chief Warrant Officer Three Thomas M. Foose, a native of Pennsylvania, is a pilot assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment. He was treated and released.

Chief Warrant Officer Two Paul C. King, a native of Ohio, is a pilot assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment. He was treated and released.

     The Army said it will focus on caring for families and soldiers and is making preparations to help soldiers cope with the tragedy. Soldiers who were injured in the accident and their families will receive support from their respective commands. The families of deceased soldiers are being assisted by the division staff and their respective units. The Army will provide families with legal services, as well as information on the benefits available to the families under the Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance and other financial entitlements.
     The Division Chaplain team is providing religious support to include one-on-one and family counseling. Additionally, mental health providers will assist units, families and individuals through their grieving process.
     Army Community Services will help by coordinating the local and civilian services available to include Army Emergency Relief, which provides interest-free loans to those families in need.
     The Army has provided a casualty assistance officer for each family who will work closely with the family on all details throughout the entire process. Assistance officers will help by assisting with transportation, housing and funeral arrangements.
     "Soldiers and families are our Army’s most important asset," said Dubik. "We will come together in this time of great sorrow and work to take care of those who have served so bravely."
     Memorial services are pending. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Army aviation safety experts from the Army Safety Center, Fort Rucker, Ala., will arrive in Hawaii later today, and together with the command will conduct a full examination of the circumstances surrounding this accident.
Families and service members can use the Army Community Service Hotline for more information at 1-800-779-2543.