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For the first time in almost 20 years my family visited my dads crash site at Camp Ripley. I was surprised to see that they have actually put up a cross and made a little memorial. We walked/climbed up the hill to were the helicopters came to rest. As I was standing there I kicked some leaves and noticed a plug. I am told it is a "cannon plug" off the main engine harness (pic in photo stream). They said the whole hillside is littered with small pieces like that. A girl who's uncle (?) was lost in the other helicopter found pieces of the canopy and pieces of metal from the fuselage.
All the families were there today for a dedication ceremony. They dedicated the air traffic control tower to the five men that died...it is now called "Tower 5". They placed three plaques around the tower with etched pictures of the guys. The plaque reads:
This tower stands as a lasting memorial of CW4 James Nichols, CW2 Mark Nelson, CW2 Dale Schmidt, SSG Larry Roalstad, and SSG James Teel Lost to their families and the Minnesota National Guard as the result of a tragic accident on March 13,1993. Tower 5 is dedicated in memory and celebration of their lives and dedicated service.
Thought I would share my cool day.
All the families were there today for a dedication ceremony. They dedicated the air traffic control tower to the five men that died...it is now called "Tower 5". They placed three plaques around the tower with etched pictures of the guys. The plaque reads:
This tower stands as a lasting memorial of CW4 James Nichols, CW2 Mark Nelson, CW2 Dale Schmidt, SSG Larry Roalstad, and SSG James Teel Lost to their families and the Minnesota National Guard as the result of a tragic accident on March 13,1993. Tower 5 is dedicated in memory and celebration of their lives and dedicated service.
Thought I would share my cool day.
O.C.R. 
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