St. Joseph area legislators presented resolutions honoring three National Guard members, including Warrant Officer Candidate Kort M. Plantenberg, 28, of Avon, killed in a December helicopter crash near Kimball.
Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) said in a statement on the Senate floor: “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Warrant Officer Candidate Kort M. Plantenberg from Avon, Minnesota, and the two other National Guard soldiers, and our prayers continue to be with them, their families and the Minnesota National Guard. While this particular unit recently returned from overseas deployment, the fact this tragedy occurred on native soil reminds us of the challenges our soldiers face every day – including when presumably safe at home.”
In the House, Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) said “the three lives that were tragically lost on Dec. 5 marks a moment in time that will never be forgotten. Family, friends and coworkers will forever mark time as ‘before’ and ‘after.’ … It is our responsibility to honor the memory of Warrant Office Candidate Kort M. Plantenberg, and to pray for his family and friends in the days and weeks to come as they navigate this most difficult loss.”
In addition to Plantenberg, Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr., 28, of Winsted and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord, 30, of Perham died in the crash. Nord graduated from Albany High School in 2009.
contributed photo
Sgt. Kort M. Plantenberg
