In Memory OfCW4 Derek J. Abbott

CW4 Derek J. Abbott, 42, MS Army National Guard, born February 14, 1982, passed away in a training exercise on February 23, 2024. Abbott was an Apache Helicopter Pilot with the 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment. During the Battle of Diwaniyah in Iraq, he was flying a close air support mission to escort ground forces when they came under fire. Abbott's Apache sustained heavy damage, but he maintained formation and covered coalition troops to ensure a safe withdrawal. For his service, he earned two Air Medals with "V" device. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!