Tigershark pilots remembered at FOB Salerno

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers with Task Force Tigershark, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division pay their final respects at Forward Operating Base Salerno June 11 to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bradley Gaudet and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kenneth White, both OH-58 Kiowa helicopter pilots. The two pilots died June 5 while conducting a mission in Khowst province. (Photo by U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Syner, Task Force Falcon Public Affairs)  

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

06.11.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers and friends of Task Force Gambler held a memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base Salerno in remembrance of two fallen pilots June 11.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bradley Gaudet and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kenneth White, both OH-58 Kiowa helicopter pilots with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force Tigershark, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division died June 26 during a mission in Khowst province.

Soldiers displayed White’s and Gaudet’s boots, rifles, identification tags, and photos in the traditional method for fallen service members.

“These two great men were outstanding warrant officers and cavalry pilots, who made the ultimate sacrifice on 5 June 2011 while taking the fight to the enemy. They both did the job that they love, and they loved doing their job,” said Maj. Brook Lee, the operations officer in charge for Task Force Tigershark. “I know that Ken and Brad were extremely proud to be among you all and to have served with you. They were the best of what Army aviation is, and embodied what we all strive to be.”

U.S. Army Capt. Joshua, the commander of Troop B, 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, spoke of the loss.

“Today is a hard day and a day I hoped that would never come. Today we remember two extremely dynamic individuals. I am proud to have known and fought alongside both Brad and Ken. Their loss is not only a loss to their families but also to [the Army],” Simpson said.

White is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

White received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, two Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, two Over Seas Service Ribbons, the Senior Aviator Badge, the Combat Action Badge and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Gaudet is survived by his wife, two daughters, his mother and father.

Gaudet’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with “V” device, the Army Achievement Medal, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the International Security Assistance Force NATO Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2011
• Date Posted: 06.12.2011 19:43
• Story ID: 71995
• Location: PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF