Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

Staff Sgt. Jason Carlyle Hicks, United States Air Force May 1, 1977- March 23, 2003 Staff Sgt. Jason Carlyle Hicks, U.S. Air Force, 25, of Jefferson, SC, lost his life Sunday, March 23,2003 in Afghanistan in the crash of the HH-60 G Pave Hawk helicopter that also claimed the life of five other airmen. Sgt. Hicks was involved in a medical evacuation mission at the time of the crash. He was serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a flight engineer with the U.S. Air Force 41st Rescue Squadron based in Valdosta, Georgia. Jason was my brother and had the biggest zest for life. Jason loved his job. One of his buddies told us after the incident that he told him one day "man, I can not believe they actually pay me to do what I do. I would fly for free.." Jason died doing what he loved. I can see him in so many ways in both of my children. I pray that they both grow up to have the same zest of life that Jason has. I lost part of my heart that day, but my family and I and Jason's friends have made sure that his memory lives on. Jason was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. There is a scholarship fund set up in memory of Jason. Jason Carlyle Hicks Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Bank of Jefferson, PO Box 246, Jefferson, SC 29718. Thank you for your prayers.