APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – Five members of the U.S. Army, including a soldier from Apache Junction, Arizona, lost their lives in a training exercise gone wrong over the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday, November 10. The Black Hawk helicopter, carrying the soldiers crashed during a routine refueling mission between Cyprus and Lebanon. Arizona native, 27-year-old Sergeant Andrew Southard, was one among those who perished in the tragic incident. Having acquired his early education at Cactus Canyon Junior High and Apache Junction High School, Southard left his impact far and wide.
U.S. Department of Defense reports explained that the catastrophe occurred during a routine refueling training mission. Operating an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the crew consisted of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, from Clarksville, Tennessee, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, from Sacramento, California, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, from Gorham, New Hampshire, and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, from Mankato, Minnesota, along with Southard.
Signalizing the pain of loss, his close friend, Chance Schick recalled him with great fondness. With tears welling up in his eyes, Schick depicted Southard, fondly referred to as Andy, as an honest and hardworking man whose persona radiated humility. Their friendship traces back to their basic training days at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in 2015, where they established a close-knit friendship.
Schick pointed out Southard’s uncanny ability to relate to anyone and his love for light-hearted humor, making him a comforting presence. Schick also highlighted his generous and caring nature, stating that he was “so humble” and “easy to talk to”.
Schick conveyed that Southard left behind his wife, daughter, and a stepson, extending his support to the grieving family. The U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center has taken up the responsibility of investigating the cause behind the tragic incident.