Zachary Esparza, Rusten Smith,… Obituary, Funeral Arrangement For Missouri Soldiers Killed In Black Hawk Crash

Zachary Esparza, Rusten Smith,… Obituary, Funeral Arrangement For Missouri Soldiers Killed In Black Hawk Crash

Visitation and funeral services have been announced for two Missouri soldiers who died last month in a military helicopter crash.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Esparza, of Jackson, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, of Rolla, were killed on March 29, when the Black Hawk helicopters they were riding in crashed near Fort Campbell during a nighttime training exercise. Esparza was 36; Smith was 32.

Both men served in the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division.

Seven other soldiers were killed in the crash. Esparza and two others were posthumously promoted to the next rank.

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Feel free to leave a message of condolences and prayers for the family and friends of the deceased in the comments section as it will go a long way for them during this difficult time.

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