Army identifies soldier killed during Blackhawk helicopter crash at Fort Polk

At approximately 12:50 a.m. Thursday, 26 September 2019, a Soldier from the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk’s 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment was killed in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter accident during a JRTC rotation within the Fort Polk training area. Three other 1-5 AV Soldiers were injured.

Major Trevor Joseph, the commander of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment MEDEVAC unit known across the Army as “Cajun Dustoff,” was killed in this aviation accident. Major Joseph, is from Collierville, Tennessee; and comes from a family with a tradition of proud military service. He was commissioned in 2008 as a medical services officer and began his exceptional service to the US Army as a pilot. Major Joseph took command of C/1-5 AV in July 2018. Over the course of his career, he deployed twice to combat in Afghanistan (2010 and 2017).

He was previously assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas (2015-2017), Fort Rucker, Alabama (2011-2013), and Fort Bragg, North Carolina (2008-2010).

Among his awards and decorations are the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Senior Service Medal.

“The Army, JRTC and Fort Polk, and 1-5 AV have lost an exceptional leader, warrior, officer, and pilot. Major Trevor Joseph led the most active MEDEVAC Company in our Army; he excelled leading Cajun Dustoff and ensuring Soldiers in rotation at JRTC had rapid access to medical coverage – his team built readiness for the US Army,” said Brigadier General Patrick D. Frank, Commanding General of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. “Trevor’s spouse, Erin, and his entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. All 8,000 Soldiers assigned to JRTC and Fort Polk salute Major Joseph and his proud service to our Army and Nation.”

Major Joseph is survived by his wife, Mrs. Erin Joseph.

The three injured soldiers are in stable condition. The cause of the accident is under investigation.