An army helicopter crashed early Thursday morning, October 3, in the JRTC and Fort Polk training area according to press releases, killing one and injuring three.
The Army helicopter (UH60 Black Hawk) was flying a MEDEVAC mission carrying personnel with Fort Polk’s U.S. Army Air Ambulance Detachment, 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment. They were going to the training area where a solider was suffering from a heat-related injury at one of the installation’s training ranges, according to Fort Polk spokesperson Kim Reishchling.
The three soldiers injured in the crash were listed in stable condition Thursday afternoon.
Reischling said the rotational soldier suffering the heat-related injury was also in stable condition.
On Friday, officials at Fort Polk identified the soldier who died in the crash as the commander of the MEDEVAC unit known as “Cajun Dustoff,” as Maj. Trevor Joseph.
Originally from Collierville, Tenn., Joseph was commissioned in 2008 as a medical services officer and began his Army career as a pilot. He took command of C Company in July 2018.
Joseph served two combat tour deployments to Afghanistan during his military career and received numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutis Badge and the Senior Service Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Erin Joseph.
Fort Polk Brigadier General Patrick D. Frank released a statement Friday paying tribute to Joseph’s lasting memory.
“The Army, JRTC and Fort Polk, and 1-5 AVN have lost an exceptional leader, warrior, officer and pilot. Maj. Trevor Joseph led the most active MEDEVAC Company in our Army; he excelled leading Cajun Dustoff and ensuring soldiers in rotation at JRTC had rapid access to medical coverage — his team built readiness for the U.S. Army,” Frank stated.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation at presstime.
A spokesperson said personnel from Fort Rucker, the Army Aviation Safety Center, were conducting the investigation.
On Thursday, U.S. Representative Mike Johnson said, “I am deeply saddened by the report of the tragic accident at Fort Polk early this morning. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Fort Polk officials to receive updates as the situation develops. Kelly and I join all Louisianians in praying for the family of the brave soldier who passed away and for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. We cannot thank the men and women of Fort Polk enough for all they do, at home and abroad, to keep us safe.”
Senator John Kennedy added, “I’m saddened to learn about this tragic accident at Fort Polk. My thoughts are with the family of the fallen, with the service members who were injured and with all the men and women at Fort Polk who are mourning the loss of a friend.”
Senator Bill Cassidy tweeted, “A terrible accident has happened today at Fort Polk and my heart breaks to hear it. Praying for the families and friends of the Army service members involved in this tragedy. God bless them.”
