Operation Dragonfly

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Operation Dragonfly

A community effort to establish a memorial park, including an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter, at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Library in Pickens County, SC.

Capt. Kimberly Hampton, an Easley, Pickens County native, died when the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter she was flying was shot down near Fallujah, Iraq on January 2, 2004. Captain Hampton was the first female military pilot in United States history to be shot down and killed as a result of hostile fire. She was also the first female combat casualty in Iraq from South Carolina. Hampton was posthum

ously awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. Efforts for years have been ongoing to establish a memorial park to include an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter at the site of the Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library in Easley, Pickens County, SC. Mr. Jim Garrison created the rendering and, with the help of his wife, Betty Garrison, formed a committee years in the making. Currently serving on this community group are:

Jim Garrison, retired instructor
Betty Garrison, retired principal, SDPC School Board member
Chris Ducker
Paul Howell, Senator Lindsey Graham's office
Don Newton
Larry Bagwell, Mayor of Easley
Chris Bowers, County Councilman
Kim Welborn, retired teacher
Ken Porter
Diane Porter
Andy Burleigh
Chad Stewart, Easley Area Museum
Bonnie Lesley
Charlie Hall, Upstate Warrior Solution
Michael Middleton, Upstate Warrior Solution
Elizabeth Edwards, Congressman Jeff Duncan's Office
Danielle Gibbs, Senator Tim Scott's Office
Sarah Wilson, Senator Tim Scott's Office
David Estes, Senator Tim Scott's Office
Neal Collins, SC House of Representatives

02/01/2026

All photographs displayed on this site are the exclusive property of James (Jim) Garrison. Unauthorized copying, editing, reproduction, or use on any other site is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Jim Garrison.

01/01/2026

As we end 2025 and begin 2026, please remember that freedom is not free.

January 2, 2026, marks the 22nd anniversary of the death of Captain Kimberly Hampton, who gave her life protecting our freedoms. This evening at dusk, Operation Dragonfly honored her memory by placing flowers at her memorial.

Please take time to pray for the parents of Kimberly Nicole Hampton, who are reminded every day of their only daughter and her ultimate sacrifice.

04/07/2025

This evening at dusk, a wreath was placed at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park by Jim and Betty Garrison in honor of Captain Kimberly Hampton—a true American hero.

As we pause to remember her sacrifice, let us also honor the many South Carolinians and their families who have endured the same loss. Their sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers gave everything so that we may live in freedom.

This Fourth of July weekend, as we celebrate our liberty, let us remember the high price paid for it—and never take it for granted.

God bless our heroes, their families, and the United States of America.

🇺🇸

23/05/2025

This afternoon, flowers were placed at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park.

As we observe Memorial Day weekend, please take a moment to remember Captain Kimberly Hampton and her parents. Each day remains difficult for them, as they live with the loss of their daughter, who gave everything in service to our great country.

Let us also remember the countless other families who have endured the same loss. Their sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers made the ultimate sacrifice so we may live in freedom.

We honor them all. Let us never forget.
🇺🇸

01/01/2025

December 31, 2024
Flowers were placed at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park as a solemn tribute to a hero who gave her all.

January 2, 2025
We honor the 21st anniversary of that tragic day, reflecting on the sacrifice of a brave soul.

Freedom is not free.

We will never forget.
🇺🇸

25/05/2024

At dusk this evening, flowers were placed at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park from Operation Dragonfly.

Captain Kimberly Hampton was killed in action serving our great Country.

This Memorial Day weekend please remember the family of Captain Hampton along with all that paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our Country.

Never forget
🇺🇸

31/12/2023

Flowers were placed this afternoon at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park. January 2, 2024 marks twenty years since that tragic day. Freedom is not free.

Never forget.
🇺🇸

27/05/2023

Yesterday at dusk the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend, flowers were placed at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park from Operation Dragonfly. Captain Kimberly Hampton was killed in action serving our great Country.

On this Memorial Day weekend please remember the family of Captain Hampton along with all that paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our Country.

Never forget
🇺🇸

01/01/2023

Today at dusk I placed flowers at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Park from Operation Dragonfly. Tomorrow January 2nd nineteen years ago, Captain Hampton was killed in action serving our great Country.

"Freedom does not come free." as Ann Hampton has said so many times. Please take time to remember Ann & Dale Hampton in your thoughts and prayers.

We will never forget,
Jim Garrison
🇺🇸

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