BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho National Guard is memorializing the lives of three pilots killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash last week.
Close friends and colleagues of Chief Warrant Officers Jesse Anderson, George "Geoff" Laubhan and Matthew Peltzer shared stories of the soldiers at the private ceremony at Gowen Field. All three were experienced pilots killed during a training exercise.
The Guard is focusing on providing comfort and support to their families left behind.
"Our number one priority is to take care of the family members as well as the fellow guardsmen," said Gen. Michael Garshak, Idaho National Guard Commanding General. "So today was an opportunity for the fellow guardsmen of the fallen aviators to pay their respects and honor the service and sacrifice of their fellow guardsmen."
Gov. Brad Little attended Tuesday's ceremony to pay his respects. American flags and State of Idaho flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on February 12.
The investigation into what caused the crash is ongoing.
