La. National Guardsmen in crash identified Published March 16, 2015 Louisiana National Guard NEW ORLEANS -- Four Louisiana National Guardsmen from the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment who died in a training accident, March 10, have been identified. Chief Warrant Officer 4 George Wayne Griffin Jr, 37; Chief Warrant Officer 4 George David Strother, 44; Staff Sgt. Lance Bergeron, 40; and Staff Sgt. Thomas Florich, 26; died when a UH-60M Black Hawk they were riding on crashed into the Santa Rosa Sound, Florida. "These Guardsmen represent the best of us," said Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, the adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard. "These are brave men, true men. These Heroes' names will forever be etched on our hearts and in our minds." The Louisiana Army National Guard was participating in a routine night-time training exercise with the Marine 2nd Special Operations Battalion. The Black Hawk carrying the four aircrew and seven Marines crashed into the Santa Rosa Sound in Navarre, Florida, March 10. "These are not ordinary men. They were extraordinary people, as well as amazing aviators and crew chiefs," said Lt. Col. John L. Bonnette II, commander of the 1-244th. When I say they were heroes, I mean it many times over. They risked their lives under difficult conditions flying in combat, and during national emergencies, to ensure our security and help save thousands of people. I don't have the words to sum up their lives in a few sentences. You just can't." "Our whole aviation family is reeling from this loss, the hole that is left is enormous. They were part of the fabric of this unit, the difference they made with everyone they served with will be a lasting legacy. Personally flying with all of them was a privilege and honor - I am a better person for having known them."