19 years ago on Wednesday five soldiers, including two Nevada Army Guardsman, lost their lives after their Chinook helicopter was shot down on a mission in Afghanistan.
On Wednesday the Nevada Army Guard along with the community honored their service with a memorial dedication.
"People traveled from Pendelton, Oregon down here, a long way just to come see this ceremony and to see this memorial," said Col. Matt Jonkey, State Army Aviation Officer. "That says a lot about the fabric of this unit and about the military in general and the comradery that we share."
Using the same model as the helicopter that had been shot down, the Mustang 22 Memorial nonprofit organization raised money to paint and refurbish it.
This helicopter also served in Afghanistan for over two years but had been grounded permanently due to damage from bullet holes. 10 years later it now joins the memorial known as the Chinook on a stick.
Throughout the ceremony several army service members gave heartwarming speeches about the soldiers who gave their lives protecting our country, including Nevada Army Guard's Sergeant Patrick Stewart and Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Flynn.
Awards had been gifted to those involved with putting together the memorial such as Pallet Construction of Virginia City who donated their labor and materials to the project.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5, Sean Laycox, says this memorial isn't just about the soldiers but also about their families, "That's why we do this so they know we care and will remember their loved ones."
You can support the memorial's nonprofit organization and donate by clicking here.
