Dark Horse Six Memorial

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aubree Rundle | Capt. Kimberly N. Hampton died after being brought down by enemy fire January 2, 2004. 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry , 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade Headquarter's was named in her honor.  

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

05.31.2006

Courtesy Story

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Pfc. Aubree Rundle
82nd Combat Aviation Brigade PAO

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - As the parents of Capt. Kimberly N. Hampton stood at the podium in front of her fellow paratroopers and friends the afternoon of 25 May, their voices shuddered with grief still morning the loss of their only daughter.

They reassured the attendees of the memorial service with contentment and gratification for the dedication of the 1st Squadron, 17th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters building named in her honor.

The headquarters building is located near 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade headquarters on Longstreet.

Prior to her dedication ceremony, a re-dedication ceremony was held for a memorial placed in front of the Pegasus Inn, the 82nd CAB dinning facility, where a monument was placed honoring the fallen 82nd CAB paratroopers with their names inscribe on the front. Included in the inscriptions was Hampton's name.

Hampton was the first female pilot and female paratrooper from the 82nd Airborne Division to fall in the line of duty since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hampton, 27, was the pilot of an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior that was brought down by enemy fire January 2, 2004. She was the Troop Commander of Delta Troop, 1-17th CAV.

"Her dedication and commitment was evident in everything she did," said Lt. Col. Michael Pyott, 1-17th CAV commander.

Before she left for her deployment, Hampton sent her parents an e-mail reminding them of her love for both her country and her position, said Pyott.

"Capt. Kimberly Hampton served our nation, this division, and this brigade with a passion to defend our freedom that continues to drive us all," said Pyott.

Hampton's parents said thank you to those who attended the ceremony, and glanced at the plaque inscribed with their daughter's name as they stepped away from the podium.

"Dark Horse Six", the call name for Hampton's aircraft may no longer be with her unit, however her spirit flies with her comrades who prepare for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2006
• Date Posted: 05.31.2006 16:57
• Story ID: 6614
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US