Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Radford Smith was born on August 7, 1990 in Jacksonville, FL and raised in Saint James, MO. He graduated from John F. Hodge High School in Saint James, MO in 2009. He passed away in a helicopter accident near Fort Campbell, KY on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
Rusten loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He and Pa (his Grandpa Harold) spent numerous seasons in the woods searching for the trophy buck or the turkey of the century. Rusten was a loving, caring husband and father, and he was passing along this legacy to his family.
Rusten joined the United States Army in 2012, and he served our Nation proudly as a Blackhawk Pilot in the famed 101st Airborne Division with C. Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). Rusten had multiple deployments including two combat tours to Afghanistan and Europe for Atlantic Resolve.
Rusten's awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, pending, posthumous; Air Medal w/combat distinguishing device "C"; Army Achievement Medal, 4; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, 2; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, 2; NATO Medal, 2: Basic Army Aviator Badge; Parachutist Badge, Basic; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge-Bar, Mechanic (for automotive or allied vehicles); Overseas Service Bar, 2.
Rusten is survived by his wife, Caroline; three children: step son, Connor; daughters: Luna and Lily; his parents, Rad and Brenda Smith of Saint James, MO; his sister, Lena and husband, Monty Turner of Saint James, MO; grandparents, Harold and Bonnie Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; Aunt Deb Hoffmeister and Uncle Paul Viets of Springfield, MO; Uncle Bob and Aunt Lisa Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; and Aunt Audrey and Uncle Rick Morris of Waynesville, MO; cousins: Jake (Cassie) Morris of Springfield, MO and Casey (Josh) Bladdick of Saint Robert, MO; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Trevia (Dick and Sam) Smith and Aunt Charlene (Kay) Jones.
A memorial Service will be held in Clarksville, TN.
Visitation for Rusten Smith will be held at 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 PM following the visitation at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium with Pastor Don Carson officiating and remarks by CSM (Ret) Richard C. Morris. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 25350 State Hwy H, Waynesville, MO.∼Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Smith was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crsh is still being investigated. But will update as soon as possible.
--
From the Fort Cambell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
Rusten loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He and Pa (his Grandpa Harold) spent numerous seasons in the woods searching for the trophy buck or the turkey of the century. Rusten was a loving, caring husband and father, and he was passing along this legacy to his family.
Rusten joined the United States Army in 2012, and he served our Nation proudly as a Blackhawk Pilot in the famed 101st Airborne Division with C. Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). Rusten had multiple deployments including two combat tours to Afghanistan and Europe for Atlantic Resolve.
Rusten's awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, pending, posthumous; Air Medal w/combat distinguishing device "C"; Army Achievement Medal, 4; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, 2; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, 2; NATO Medal, 2: Basic Army Aviator Badge; Parachutist Badge, Basic; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge-Bar, Mechanic (for automotive or allied vehicles); Overseas Service Bar, 2.
Rusten is survived by his wife, Caroline; three children: step son, Connor; daughters: Luna and Lily; his parents, Rad and Brenda Smith of Saint James, MO; his sister, Lena and husband, Monty Turner of Saint James, MO; grandparents, Harold and Bonnie Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; Aunt Deb Hoffmeister and Uncle Paul Viets of Springfield, MO; Uncle Bob and Aunt Lisa Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; and Aunt Audrey and Uncle Rick Morris of Waynesville, MO; cousins: Jake (Cassie) Morris of Springfield, MO and Casey (Josh) Bladdick of Saint Robert, MO; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Trevia (Dick and Sam) Smith and Aunt Charlene (Kay) Jones.
A memorial Service will be held in Clarksville, TN.
Visitation for Rusten Smith will be held at 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 PM following the visitation at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium with Pastor Don Carson officiating and remarks by CSM (Ret) Richard C. Morris. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 25350 State Hwy H, Waynesville, MO.∼Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Smith was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crsh is still being investigated. But will update as soon as possible.
--
From the Fort Cambell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Radford Smith was born on August 7, 1990 in Jacksonville, FL and raised in Saint James, MO. He graduated from John F. Hodge High School in Saint James, MO in 2009. He passed away in a helicopter accident near Fort Campbell, KY on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
Rusten loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He and Pa (his Grandpa Harold) spent numerous seasons in the woods searching for the trophy buck or the turkey of the century. Rusten was a loving, caring husband and father, and he was passing along this legacy to his family.
Rusten joined the United States Army in 2012, and he served our Nation proudly as a Blackhawk Pilot in the famed 101st Airborne Division with C. Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). Rusten had multiple deployments including two combat tours to Afghanistan and Europe for Atlantic Resolve.
Rusten's awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, pending, posthumous; Air Medal w/combat distinguishing device "C"; Army Achievement Medal, 4; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, 2; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, 2; NATO Medal, 2: Basic Army Aviator Badge; Parachutist Badge, Basic; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge-Bar, Mechanic (for automotive or allied vehicles); Overseas Service Bar, 2.
Rusten is survived by his wife, Caroline; three children: step son, Connor; daughters: Luna and Lily; his parents, Rad and Brenda Smith of Saint James, MO; his sister, Lena and husband, Monty Turner of Saint James, MO; grandparents, Harold and Bonnie Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; Aunt Deb Hoffmeister and Uncle Paul Viets of Springfield, MO; Uncle Bob and Aunt Lisa Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; and Aunt Audrey and Uncle Rick Morris of Waynesville, MO; cousins: Jake (Cassie) Morris of Springfield, MO and Casey (Josh) Bladdick of Saint Robert, MO; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Trevia (Dick and Sam) Smith and Aunt Charlene (Kay) Jones.
A memorial Service will be held in Clarksville, TN.
Visitation for Rusten Smith will be held at 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 PM following the visitation at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium with Pastor Don Carson officiating and remarks by CSM (Ret) Richard C. Morris. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 25350 State Hwy H, Waynesville, MO.∼Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Smith was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crsh is still being investigated. But will update as soon as possible.
--
From the Fort Cambell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
Rusten loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He and Pa (his Grandpa Harold) spent numerous seasons in the woods searching for the trophy buck or the turkey of the century. Rusten was a loving, caring husband and father, and he was passing along this legacy to his family.
Rusten joined the United States Army in 2012, and he served our Nation proudly as a Blackhawk Pilot in the famed 101st Airborne Division with C. Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). Rusten had multiple deployments including two combat tours to Afghanistan and Europe for Atlantic Resolve.
Rusten's awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, pending, posthumous; Air Medal w/combat distinguishing device "C"; Army Achievement Medal, 4; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, 2; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, 2; NATO Medal, 2: Basic Army Aviator Badge; Parachutist Badge, Basic; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge-Bar, Mechanic (for automotive or allied vehicles); Overseas Service Bar, 2.
Rusten is survived by his wife, Caroline; three children: step son, Connor; daughters: Luna and Lily; his parents, Rad and Brenda Smith of Saint James, MO; his sister, Lena and husband, Monty Turner of Saint James, MO; grandparents, Harold and Bonnie Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; Aunt Deb Hoffmeister and Uncle Paul Viets of Springfield, MO; Uncle Bob and Aunt Lisa Hoffmeister of Saint James, MO; and Aunt Audrey and Uncle Rick Morris of Waynesville, MO; cousins: Jake (Cassie) Morris of Springfield, MO and Casey (Josh) Bladdick of Saint Robert, MO; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Trevia (Dick and Sam) Smith and Aunt Charlene (Kay) Jones.
A memorial Service will be held in Clarksville, TN.
Visitation for Rusten Smith will be held at 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 PM following the visitation at the St. James Middle School Gymnasium with Pastor Don Carson officiating and remarks by CSM (Ret) Richard C. Morris. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 25350 State Hwy H, Waynesville, MO.∼Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Smith was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crsh is still being investigated. But will update as soon as possible.
--
From the Fort Cambell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
Inscription
Chief Warrant Officer 2, U.S. Army
Persian Gulf, Afghanistan
Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal and Cole's Bird
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