Governor Parson orders flags at half-staff in honor of Black Hawk pilot

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered that the United States and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 15, 2023, in honor of United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Radford Smith, of St. James, Missouri. 

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith served as a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) with C Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). He was killed, along with eight other Untied States service members, when two UH-60 Blackhawk medical evacuation helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during a nighttime training mission on March 29, 2023. 

“Rusten’s life was cut tragically short, but he gave it in patriotic service to our nation, which he so loved, and we are forever grateful for that service,” Governor Parson said. “Rusten was a loving husband, proud father, and devoted friend, and our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him throughout his life. Teresa and I are keeping Rusten’s wife and children in our thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time.”

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith joined the U.S. Army in 2012 and had multiple deployments, including two combat tours to Afghanistan and Europe for the Atlantic Resolve. He was highly skilled and was decorated with several honors and recognitions, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among others. 

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith is laid to rest.

Flags will also be held at half-staff when Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary G. Esparaza is laid to rest.

A formal announcement will be made closer to that date.