US Army helicopter pilot killed is identified

CWO Varnadore

The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Kapisa, eastern Afghanistan on Saturday 23rd April 2011, has been identified as Chief Warrant Officer Terry L. Varnadore, aged 29, from Mills River, N.C.

He was stationed at Fort Drum in New York, serving with 1st Attack Reconn Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. He had served a tour in Iraq and was deployed to Afghanistan last year, his pastor the Rev. Paul Thompson told press.

He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 and enlisted in the Army in 2005.

His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Army Aviator Badge and the Combat Action Badge.

CWO Varnadore is survived by his wife and child, mother and father.