Heavener Soldier Killed

An announcement was made Thursday by the Department of Defense that a soldier from Heavener has been killed.  Chief Warrant Officer Randy L. Billings, 34, was among six killed in a helicopter crash.  The crash happened December 17 in Now Bahar Afghanistan.

It has been confirmed by the Army that the soldiers died Tuesday when the Black Hawk UH- 60 they were in went down in Zabul during a mission.

Military officials said that they don't know if it was a mechanical failure occurred or if the helicopter was shot down.  The crash is under investigation.

Billings was assigned to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Fort Riley, KS.

In August, some 2,000 soldiers were sent to Afghanistan for a nine month deployment by the 1st Division Combat Aviation Brigade.  They were replacing 3rd Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade.

The soldiers were killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

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