State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) is honoring Tennessee National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Wadham of Joelton, Tenn., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Danny Randolph of Murfreesboro, Tenn., with a memorial marker on Highway 53.
Wadham and Randolph died on February 15, 2023, in a helicopter crash in the median between the northbound and southbound lanes of Alabama 53 near the intersection of Burwell Road in Harvest.
After a successful fueling at Huntsville International Airport and a stop in Enterprise, the crew on its return trip reported being 50 miles south of Huntsville International Airport and was given the OK for landing to refuel at the airport.
Shortly after taking off from the airport, the aircraft began spinning out of control near houses and businesses; the crew took the helicopter down in the median.
“Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Wadham and Chief Warrant Officer Danny Randolph served our country with dignity, courage, and honor. This community will always remember that day," said Whitt.
"As a former volunteer firefighter, we are trained to respond to emergencies; however, the scene first responders described is something that no one can really be prepared for, and no one had ever seen," he added. "I believe these men of honor made the decision to land where they did to decrease the impact of loss of life and to me they are both true heroes."
"This memorial marker honors their service and dedication to our country. I also hope it gives the family the closure and peace they deserve. It is the least I can do, and I want their service to always be remembered,” Whitt concluded.
The funding of the memorial marker is a charitable donation from Whitt.
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