Sunday, February 18, 2007

Army Sgt. Adam A. Wilkinson

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Adam A. Wilkinson, 23, of Fort Carson, Colo

Sgt. Wilkinson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 18 in southeastern Afghanistan when the Chinook helicopter he was in crashed. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hershel D. McCants Jr., Chief Warrant Officer 3 John A. Quinlan, Spc. Travis R. Vaughn, Spc. Brandon D. Gordon, Pfc. Ryan C. Garbs, Pfc. Kristofer D. S. Thomas and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman.

Sergeant Adam A. Wilkinson died Feb. 18, 2007, in southeastern Afghanistan when his MH-47E Helicopter crashed while conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was born Dec. 17, 1983, in Miskayuna, N.Y.

Wilkinson volunteered for service with the Army in March 2002 as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. His first tour of duty was with the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo. In 2005, Wilkinson changed his military occupation specialty to a Chinook Helicopter repairer. He arrived at the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in May 2005 and completed the regiment’s “Green Platoon” course, an initial selection and training requirement prior to assignment. He was assigned to the regiment’s 2nd Battalion, serving as a MH-47E Maintenance Team Member and MH-47 crewmember, most recently in B Company. Wilkinson had previously deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 3rd ACR and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with the 160th.

Wilkinson’s schools include the Warrior Leader Course, Special Operations Training Course, Combatives Level 1, and Unit Armorer Training.

His awards and decorations include the Air Medal for Valor, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Aviation Crewmember Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Tyffanie, and son, Carson (1).

Sergeant Adam A. Wilkinson Family Statement

Our family appreciates the overwhelming and sincere outpouring of sympathy from the local community at this very difficult time. Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of Adam - a devoted husband, a loving father, a beloved son, and dedicated Soldier.

Adam spent the last couple of years training with and supporting a unit that he loved. The 160th was like a second family to him. He believed firmly in the principles ingrained in him by his family from an early age - loyalty, perseverance, and an overwhelming sense of patriotism.

Adam would want to be remembered as someone who died the way he lived - providing support for some of America's finest young men.

While we sincerely appreciate the nation's interest in Adam's life and his contributions to this great nation, we ask that the media respect our privacy and allow us time to grieve.

Provided by Tyffanie Wilkinson

Army Sgt. Adam A. Wilkinson was killed in action on 02/18/07.

No comments: