JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Family and friends of fallen soldier Earl R. Scott, III, spoke to First Coast News Tuesday night, saying they will forever miss their loved one.
The Department of Defense confirmed two soldiers were killed when their "Kiowa" helicopter went down in Tikrit, Iraq, Nov. 8. One of those soldiers was Jacksonville-native Earl R. Scott, III.
Army Warrant Officer Earl R. Scott, III, 24, was born in Jacksonville and raised in Mandarin, and recently was stationed in Hawaii after training in Alabama. He attended Mandarin High School.
Scott's best friend since birth, Nick Bradley, said he grieved with Scott's family on Monday, and added that information from the Army was sparse.
He's like my brother, grew up across the street from each other. Every memory I have (is with him). Every Christmas we would say, 'what present did you get?'" Bradley said with tears in his eyes.
According to the Department of Defense, Scott and another soldier, Matthew C. Heffelfinger, 29, of Kimberly, Idaho, died Nov. 8, in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained when their OH-58D "Kiowa" helicopter crashed.
Scott's father, Earl Raymond Scott, II, 56, said he is unsure if his son was piloting the helicopter when it crashed.
His father was too distraught to talk on camera, but tells First Coast News Reporter Monica Landeros: "We are deeply saddened, and will miss him for the rest of our lives."
Scott was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Scott joined the Army in March 2006 and moved to Schofield Barracks in May 2008. He served as an OH-58D pilot.
His military awards and decorations include:
* Army Achievement Medal
* National Defense Service Medal
* Iraqi Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Army Service Ribbon
* Army Aviator Badge
Officers came to the family's home Sunday to inform them of Scott's death. His remains should be back in Jacksonville Thursday or Friday.
This was Scott's second order to Iraq.
"He always wanted to fly and excelled at everything he did," Scott's father said, adding his son attended the aviation program at Florida Community College at Jacksonville.
Bradley tells First Coast News Scott recently gave his girlfriend in Hawaii a promise ring. Bradley said his girlfriend, Tara, is expected to arrive in Jacksonville soon for funeral arrangements.
The Department of Defense said the soldiers were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.