I was just notified an Apache Longbow was shotdown in Baghdad. This aircraft is again from my company, C company 1-227th aviation, same as when Ron and Dave were shotdown.

I will not say their names, the families were just notified and I found out shortly after from a close friend.

All these guys are my close personal friends, I was their senior instructor and trained most of them.

Just seems C company cannot shake bad luck....In Desert Storm a C company apache was shotdown, last year Ron and Dave were shotdown,and now this.

Again, pray for all soldiers, especially my close personal friends who were there to give Iraqis a better way of life. And ended up giving their lives doing so.

Sorry to hear the news. Thoughts and prayers are with the troops, friends, and families always in this household.

My deepest condolences on the loss of life. Also much appreciation for those willing to put their life on the line for others...

Condolences to the families and to you Jerry. We owe our soldiers a huge debt of graditude. All of our soldiers are in our prayers.

They are in our prayers.

Well, to put a name to this instead of just "Two Soldiers Killed in Helicopter shootdown" they deserve more....

My friends were CW3 Chuck Fortenberry and CW2 Shane Colton, both husbands, fathers, Americans.

I have known many people killed over the years, being a military pilot even in peace time is dangerous. But this one is really bothering me.

I have gone from shock, to grief, to right now I am in a sort of numbness...

These are guys that BBQ and drink beer in your backyard with you, that their kids play with yours, that you take for granted will be there tomorrow....but wont.

God speed Shane and Chuck.

Sherr20, Numbness is a good thing. It's the first step toward healing. Hang in there. We are all with you.

Unfortunately, someones brother, uncle, cousin, Dad, etc. get's affected by this war! I've known a couple to lay their lives down now. It's never easy, but it is worthwhile in my eyes! Thank you to all in the military in ANY capacity graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Dano