04/06/2026
Today we honor Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Connolly and Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Casadona
CW3 Ryan Connolly, 37, was an instructor pilot in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He joined the Army in 2001 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2016. Decorations include; two Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon and an Overseas Service Ribbon. Ryan left behind his wife and two sons.
CW2 James Casadona, 28, was a pilot in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He joined the Army in 2012 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2018. Decorations include; National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon. “Jimmy as he was known in the United States Marine Corp enlisted in the Corps February 2012, and served five years as a signals intelligence analyst and radio reconnaissance operator, finishing his enlistment as a sergeant before joining the U.S. Army.
At approximately 9:50 p.m. Friday, two Soldiers of the 101st Combat Aviation “Destiny” Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were killed in an AH-64E Apache helicopter crash in the local training area on Fort Campbell. Aircraft 17-03125 was in terrain flight.
You are not forgotten!
Attack!
