Coast Guard memorial held in Sitka

July 14, 2010

A crowd gathered in Sitka to mourn the fallen guardsmen. (KTUU-DT)

by Jackie Bartz
Tuesday, July 13, 2010

SITKA, Alaska -- Residents of Sitka are reeling in the wake of a helicopter crash that killed three Coast Guard crew members.

A memorial service was held Tuesday.

Flags flew at half-staff to honor the three Sitka-based airmen who gave their lives serving the country, and hundreds packed a Sitka hangar to say thanks.

Coast Guard crewmen Sean Krueger, Adam Hoke and Brett M. Banks died in a helicopter crash last week off the coast of Washington.

Lance Leone is the sole survivor of the crash. According to the Coast Guard he was badly injured, but will survive.

"To the families, friends and community members these men touched, we want you to know that Alaskans, all of us, are deeply sorry for this loss -- for their loss," said Gov. Sean Parnell.

It may not make the pain any easier, but the families of these men don't have to go it alone. They have a town determined to thank them for their sacrifice.

"For years Coast Guardsmen had gone to sea or flown out over the sea performing dangerous missions. But to you children I have to tell you that the last thought every Coast Guardsman has before they take in the lines and get underway, or pull out the chocks and lift off into the air, the thoughts are always about their family," said Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr., commandant of the Coast Guard.

Their passion for Alaska and their dedication to guarding the lives of Alaskans will live on in their Coast Guard colleagues -- and the countless men and women who owe their lives to the Coast Guard.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but witnesses say they saw the helicopter clip a power cable. Investigators say it could be months before they know what happened.

Contact Jackie Bartz at jbartz@ktuu.com.

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