FORT CAMPBELL – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Army officials have identified the two soldiers killed in a helicopter crash Friday at a Fort Campbell training area.
According to a press release Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Connolly, 37, and Warrant Officer James Casadona, died when their AH-64E Apache helicopter crashed at approximately 9:50 p.m. Friday.
Both served in the 101st Combat Aviation “Destiny” Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Chief Warrant Officer Connolly, was an instructor pilot. He joined the Army in 2001 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2016. Decorations include; two Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon and an Overseas Service Ribbon.
Warrant Officer Casadona, was a pilot who joined the Army in 2012 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2018.
Decorations include; National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon.
“The Destiny Brigade has suffered a great tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased,” said Col. Craig Alia, commander, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. “This is an unfortunate event, and we are saddened by the loss of our fellow Soldiers. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.”
(Photo:Warrant Officer James Casadona, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Connolly*)
*NOTE: photo was taken as CW2