Four North Carolina Air National Airmen killed when their plane crashed while fighting a wildfire in South Dakota are being remembered as dedicated soldiers who gave their lives doing what they wanted to do: Helping people.
Governor Beverly Perdue called the men heroes at a memorial service in Charlotte Tuesday morning. She says they knew the dangers of the mission but were eager to go.
Lt. Col. Paul K. Mikeal; Maj. Joseph McCormick; Maj. Ryan S. David, and Senior Master Sgt. Robert S. Cannon, all died July 1 when their C-130 crashed while fighting the wildfire. Two crewmen were injured.
Only the airmen's families, invited guests and members of the 145th Airlift Wing were allowed to attend the private service at the unit's base in Charlotte.
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