APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — One of the U.S. Army Special Operations soldiers killed in a helicopter crash over the Mediterranean Sea last Friday was from Apache Junction, the Department of Defense announced on Monday.
Sergeant Andrew P. Southard, 27, was one of the five aviation soldiers taking part in a MH-60 Blackhawk aerial refueling training exercise at the time of the crash. He had previously deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
There are no indications that the crash was caused by enemy actions, the department said. The incident is still under investigation.
“This is devastating news that reverberates across the entire Special Operations community. Every loss is tough, but in this case, service to the Nation is truly a family business and it’s hard to express the amount of sorrow that we all feel right now," said Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, their loved ones, and their fellow soldiers. Like the Special Operations community always does, we will wrap our arms around them, grieve with them, and promise to never forget them.”
Southard graduated from Apache Junction High School in 2015.
“He was one of those kids you dreamed about having in class,” said Norman Hoefer, Southard’s math teacher for all four years of high school.
Hoefer tutored Southard to help him pass an academic test needed to enter the military. The bond between the two was so strong, Southard later invited his former teacher to his wedding.
“He didn’t do things because he thought people were going to give him gratitude for doing it. He did it because he thought it was right,” Southard said.
Southard leaves behind a wife and a young daughter.
His wife, Ashley Southard, posted a message on social media over the weekend, saying “He truly was the best of the best. He was my whole world.”
Southard’s awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Basic Aviation Badge, the army announced.
The deceased are:
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38 of Clarksville, Tennessee
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California
- Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire
- Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona
- Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.
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