SFC Jason M. Smith, 35, whose home of record is Destrehan, LA, died 23 Nov 15, when his UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter crashed on Fort Hood. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment, First Army Division West and had flown DUSTOFF in a previous assignment. Smith entered active-duty service in June 2000 as a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment, Division West, 1st Army, Fort Hood, since October 29. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Aug 04 to Mar 05, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from Sep 11 to Sep 12 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from Sep 14 to May 15. He was also deployed for relief efforts at home and his accomplishments aided in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was a graduate of ALC, SLC, USAF Airlift planner WLC, FI school, SI school, ER med tech course, Hazmat Family Safety, Small Arms Maintenance, developed SOP for LUH at Fort Polk. He attended Destrehan High School, and was graduated in 1999.
