Written by Kimberly Tiscione
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Public Affairs
Fort Campbell, KY – A ceremonial formation of Chinook helicopters and passing of the colors were highlights of the 2011 Week of Night Stalker Activities.
The annual week-long celebration is a rare opportunity for Soldiers, Families, civilians and guests of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to share in camaraderie and enjoy precious time together while not deployed.
Hundreds gathered for a ceremony remembering the 91 Night Stalkers that died during training or combat in service to their country. Nearly half of those inscriptions represent Soldiers who died during the last decade while the unit was supporting sustained combat operations in multiple locations around the world.
No names were added to the wall this year.
In honor of the fallen, a flight of five Chinook helicopters flew over the crowd in an aerial salute known as the ‘missing man formation.’
Night Stalkers also welcomed two new commanders and a command sergeant major in separate ceremonies.
Maj. Mark Kappelmann assumed command of the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion from Lt. Col. Brian Hughes; Lt. Col. Michael Hertzendorf assumed command of 1st Battalion from Col. Allan Pepin; and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Mastrian assumed responsibility of 1st Battalion from Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Chambers.
“As we gather together this week approaching Memorial Day, reflect on service and sacrifice and celebrate our unit’s 30th anniversary, I can’t think of a better time to recognize these Night Stalkers that have led our formations for the past two years and the leaders who are prepared to take those formations into our next two years of sustained operations,” said Thompson.
Other events included a softball tournament, golf tournament, memorial ride and an awards ceremony hosted by the Night Stalker Association. The 160th will have an event dedicated to their 30th anniversary this fall.
