Fiddlers Green

Two US Army Aviators have made the ultimate sacrifice to this nation.

You may have heard about it, most likely you didn't. It only warranted a passing remark when I heard about it on FOX the other day. Two pilots died today in an accident in the western part of Baghdad and it's under investigation...that's all they said and all they will ever say about these two Soldiers.

The official Army News Release says this:

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 1333-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec 28, 2005 Media Contact: Army Public Affairs - (703) 692-2000
Public/Industry(703)428-0711

DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died in Baghdad, Iraq on Dec. 26, when their Apache helicopter collided with another military aircraft in mid-air and then crashed. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Chief Warrant Officer Richard M. Salter, 44, of Cypress, Texas.

Chief Warrant Officer Isaias E. Santos, 28, of Ancon, Panama.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact Army
Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Most people will never know that every night in western Baghdad and other places around the world Apache pilots fly through the pitch black darkness, looking for the bad guys, protecting a convoy, flying over-watch for those guys on the ground. Even though this was an accident, their sacrifice was made in a noble effort and I hope their families can take some comfort in that.

I knew Matt Salter from a previous assignment, he was a great guy and a credit to his family, his Army and the United States of America. Unfortunately,I never knew Mr. Santos but I'm sure his loss strikes everyone just as deeply as Matt's passing.

I'm sure Matt and Isaias will be waiting for us at Fiddlers Green. Save a cold one guys.