A Virginia Military Institute alum was identified Friday as one of five Marines killed during a helicopter crash during a training flight in San Diego, California.
Capt. Jack Casey, a 2019 graduate, was one of the five Marines assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
In a Facebook post, VMI shared that Casey was a physics major from Dover, New Hampshire, and was Company I commander for the 2018-19 academic year.
“It is difficult to find words in the wake of such a jarring loss,” said Capt. Eli Facemire ‘19, VMI associate chaplain and class president of the VMI Class of 2019. “Jack was absolutely loved by our class, and all our brother rats knew that Jack loved them. He bought in fully to his relationships and opportunities, setting an example of friendship and leadership that was looked up to not only by members of the lower classes, but also by his brother rats. His charisma and humility shined through in all he did, and his infectious, fun-loving attitude made him a tremendous joy to simply be around. He made a positive impact on all, and we will cherish our memories of him forever. We, as a class, mourn with his loved ones and those brother rats who knew him best. Times like these are when the ‘brother rat spirit’ that Jack epitomized must be rekindled and embraced.”
On Thursday, the military confirmed that the Marines were killed when their helicopter went down during stormy weather. Efforts are underway to recover their remains, but officials say the process could take weeks.
Source: WSLS News 10
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