In Loving Memory of Deontre T. Huey and Seth L. Olmstead, Fort Hood Pilots Lost in Tragic Helicopter Crash.
With profound sadness, we remember Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, of Belton, Texas, two Fort Hood helicopter pilots whose lives were tragically cut short during a maintenance test flight.
The two soldiers were the only people aboard the helicopter when it crashed Wednesday in a grassy field near Salado, approximately 30 miles from Fort Hood. Their deaths have left fellow service members, friends, loved ones, and the surrounding communities mourning the loss of two dedicated individuals who served their country with courage and commitment.
At this time, officials have not released a cause of the crash. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived Thursday and is leading the investigation to determine what happened.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Huey and Warrant Officer Olmstead will be remembered not simply as military pilots, but as sons, friends, colleagues, and cherished members of their communities. Their service represented a commitment to duty and to the people they served alongside.
As their families and fellow soldiers face the difficult days ahead, may they find strength in the memories shared with Deontre and Seth and comfort in knowing that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
In loving memory of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead. May they rest in peace, and may their families find comfort and strength during this time of profound loss.