Specialist Richard Brown served in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division, 4th Aviation Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Alpha Company. He spent a year in Iraq and flew over 500 hours as a crew chief, moving up through the ranks and earning multiple decorations and awards.

Brown was killed along with six other soldiers in a Blackhawk Helicopter crash near Temple, Texas. The helicopter was on its way to Texarkana to check on the status of the 4th Infantry Division’s equipment for its next deployment.

Richard worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed his job, flying helicopters, and riding his motorcycle. He came home often to be with his family and is dearly missed by them.