On Feb. 6, 2024 a marine soldier from Emmet, Idaho, died in a tragic training accident in San Diego, California during a training exercise preparing the soldiers for using heavy-duty helicopters.  

According to idahonews.com, “All were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.”  

During this time, five men were assigned to this training exercise: Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Sgt. Alec Langen, Capt. Jack Casey and Capt. Miguel Nava. All died in the accident.  

Coach Jon Parham said on Instagram, “He was a natural leader, always had a smile, he had a work ethic that inspired his teammates, and was a man that all of us looked up to, myself included. He was also a proud Marine. He lit up when he spoke of his service to our country and could not wait to become an aviator.”’  

He was very loved and cared for, and that was incredibly evident at the procession from the Boise Airport to Emmet City Park, where he was laid to rest. In the procession, there were a multitude of state police leading the casket and the family vehicles. Following behind the police cars, trucks and motorcycles were hundreds of motorcycles from differing veteran bicker groups.  

On the sides of the roads, hundreds of people carried American flags and paid their respects. Veterans holding flags and saluting their fallen soldiers were another sight during this event. One of those veterans is Master Sergeant Scott Yates. 

“Not only is it an honor to serve alongside these service members, but it’s also an honor to be there for their last ride home,” Yates said. “Idahoans from far and wide showed their support for this brave man, and all the members of the armed forces appreciate how well they came out and showed their respect for the ultimate sacrifice of this marine.” 

Though it happens all too often, the sacrifices of these brave men and women who fight should never be forgotten. May every fallen soldier rest easy knowing they served their country well.