Gov. Rick Scott
“Today, we are saddened to learn that a Louisiana Army National Guard helicopter carrying seven Marines and four soldiers crashed during a training exercise near Eglin Air Force Base. I reached out to Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal … to offer any resources they may need during this tragic time. Florida National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw also spoke with the Louisiana National Guard … to offer resources they may need during their search.
“Florida Fish and Wildlife officers immediately responded to the crash and are actively engaged in search efforts. “Every day, members of our armed forces put their lives on the line to protect our state and our nation and we cannot thank them enough for their service. Ann and I join all Floridians and Americans to pray for those involved in the crash and their families.”
Fort Walton Beach Mayor Mike Anderson
“It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences, on behalf of the City of Fort Walton Beach and its leadership, to the families of our fallen Marines and National Guardsmen in Tuesday’s tragic Black Hawk crash. As a community that actively and ceaselessly supports the mission of our service members — many of whom are our own friends, family members and neighbors — we still find ourselves reeling from such a loss. Even as we regularly acknowledge and honor the sacrifices made in combat, we must now and always remind ourselves that every day, every training exercise, and every risk taken on our behalf, is a sacrifice. We thank our fallen heroes for those sacrifices and we are reminded once again to hold our living heroes close as much as we can. We will never forget.
Congressman Jeff Miller
My wife Vicki and I were saddened to learn of the crash of an Army helicopter during a training mission in the waters near Eglin Air Force Base last Tuesday. This tragedy reminds us of the dangerous jobs our men and women in uniform do every day in service to our country. Whether overseas in a far-off land or here at home, there is no such thing as a routine mission. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the four National Guardsmen and seven Marines involved in the crash.
Sen. Bill Nelson
“It’s tragic. Apparently, the Black Hawk helicopter went down and there was so much fog that it was hard in a rescue last night, in the middle of the night. And tragically, they’re [ now ] finding the debris and … bodies. It’s sad.”
