Northview Grad Deploys To Afghanistan As Black Hawk Medevac Pilot

July 20, 2014

A Northview High School graduate is among a group of soldiers to be deployed Tuesday from Fort Bragg to Afghanistan.

Casey B. Wilcoxon is a Black Hawk medevac pilot with Company C, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

The air ambulance crews and their support personnel, who also go by the nickname All American Dustoff, are deploying for the first time since 2012, when they covered an area in eastern Afghanistan roughly the size of Virginia with their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

Wilcoxon completed the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Aviator Course and was graduated as a pilot from the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL, last September. He has been in the Army for seven years, formerly as a UH 60 Black Hawk mechanic, having achieved the rank of Sergeant prior to being commissioned as a Warrant Officer.

This is his third time in Afghanistan, his first as a pilot.  His previous deployments were as an enlisted member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). He also had two deployments to Iraq with the 160th before becoming a pilot.

A 2006 graduate of Northview High School, Wilcoxon is the son of the late William B. Wilcoxon of Century and Erbie and Pamela Pritchett, also of Century and is the grandson of the late John Wilcoxon and Grace Wilcoxon of Century and James and Mildred Lambeth of Flomaton.

Editor’s note: The unit was originally set to deploy on Saturday, but the departure was delayed until Tuesday due to weather.

Pictured top: Casey Wilcoxon, right, embraces his wife, Kelley (also a Northview gradudate), and two daughters, Kami and Kali Saturday at Fort Bragg. Photo courtesy Abbi O’Leary/Fayetteville Observer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured inset: Casey Wilcoxon.  Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

27 Responses to “Northview Grad Deploys To Afghanistan As Black Hawk Medevac Pilot”

  1. Lisa Hadley on August 18th, 2014 4:23 pm

    Casey
    We have been blessed to have you in our family; you are a wonderful man. We love you and and pray for God’s protection over you and all the troops. THANKS

  2. Tom Meehan on July 22nd, 2014 9:17 am

    Way to go Casey! That’s an awesome accomplishment. I know of two former Army Aviators who taught at Northview are proud of you. You truly are “Above the Best” Thank you for your service.

  3. Casey Wilcoxon on July 22nd, 2014 12:13 am

    Hi everyone. I want to start by letting everyone know that our flight was delayed again. Kelley is happy, I am ready to just get it started. We are literally sleeping on a pallet in the floor( memories I guess). I do not consider myself a hero or above any other U.S. Citizen. This is just the career I’ve always felt led to do. I want you all to know that without Kelley my wonderful wife and the rest of my family, I couldn’t do what I do. I really appreciate all of the support and prayers. The South always shows their support, as many places DO NOT. Love all of you and we’ll see y’all on the flip side!!! DUSTOFF! P.s.Thanks William!

  4. Judy Parham on July 21st, 2014 11:50 pm

    We love you Casey and we are so proud of you. Thank you for your service to our country and for taking such good care of Kelley and the babies! We are proud to have you as our Son! We are praying God’s protection over you!

  5. Lady on July 21st, 2014 11:43 pm

    Casey knew your grandparents and know they are looking down from Heaven and are very proud of you. Keep God close in heart and you will be fine.

  6. ProudArmyParent on July 21st, 2014 11:47 am

    GOD’s speed, Casey! We are all so proud of you. Return to us safe, we pray that all this will end, but in reality we know what the Bible tells us concerning that part of the world! So keep your head down, your eyes open and your butt safe! Till we see you again all our love and prayers.

  7. Bloodsworth's in Bratt on July 21st, 2014 11:29 am

    You make your Community and Country proud sir. Thank you for your service and sacrifices, may God bless you and your precious family.

  8. Pamela Pritchett on July 21st, 2014 8:12 am

    Casey I’m so proud to call you my son, not only for your great accomplishments but for the amazing husband to my wonderful daughter-n-law, the amazing daddy to my precious grand daughters and for the man you have become. I Love You! Thank you Wiliam for posting this article.

  9. Ajhenn on July 20th, 2014 11:00 pm

    Thank you for your service to our country! God bless you and your family

  10. Kristy Garrett on July 20th, 2014 8:55 pm

    Love both of u

  11. Kristy Garrett on July 20th, 2014 8:54 pm

    Thank you for what u do Casey be safe n pray n call ur wife lol had to do it kelly

  12. century on July 20th, 2014 2:54 pm

    There are lots of people praying for you you know your grandparents. They are Godly people that serves the Lord.

  13. Senior Chief on July 20th, 2014 1:57 pm

    Very proud of you Casey and Kelly. Will keep you guys in my prayers. God Bless.

  14. Janet on July 20th, 2014 1:13 pm

    You are a high achiever and a hero!!! Blessings to you and your family. Praying for your safe return to our beloved country that you are serving so wonderfully.

  15. :) on July 20th, 2014 11:26 am

    Thank You for your service to this country! Be safe!

  16. prayers for wyatt on July 20th, 2014 10:33 am

    We graduated in 2006 with both Casey and Kelly. We are so proud of you and thank you for your continuous service protecting our country. Much love from the Johnson’s

  17. Jennifer read on July 20th, 2014 10:30 am

    Casey we are all so proud of you!!! We love you and our prayers are with you!!!!!

  18. Bob C on July 20th, 2014 10:20 am

    May you and your supportive family be kept in the hands of God’s protection and love.
    Thank you Sir for your Service and Dedication to the United States of America.

    Another fine example of the young men and women from North Escambia and Northview High in particular.

    Duty, Honor, Country…I Salute You and your family.

  19. Molino resident on July 20th, 2014 9:17 am

    God Bless you for your service. I pray God’s hand will stay on you and keep you safe.

  20. Otto on July 20th, 2014 8:38 am

    Sometimes Angels have rotors instead of wings! Thank you for your service and God bless!

  21. just listening on July 20th, 2014 8:21 am

    Wow what a career this Young Man has started. God Bless Him and the Life he has before him. Northview High should be proud to have turned out a graduate as this Young Man and his Parents should be proud. Casey WE the communities of North Escambia are proud of you! Thank You for Your Service to our Country!

  22. Stuart on July 20th, 2014 7:50 am

    God Bless your deployment and bring you home safely, soldier. We are in your debt.

  23. Gene & Sharon on July 20th, 2014 7:36 am

    Casey,
    We are so proud of you and thank you so much for your service to our country! You are a remarkable young man!

  24. Willene Bryan on July 20th, 2014 7:10 am

    Prayers for your safety and thank you for serving our country.

  25. William on July 20th, 2014 6:42 am

    I don’t know you Sir But I wish you and your family all the best, as a Veteran i understand that to you are just doing your job and going into harms way is just part of the job. Stay safe out there.

  26. Oak Grove Bud on July 20th, 2014 6:27 am

    Thank you for your service to our country and be safe over there!!

  27. Jay on July 20th, 2014 12:40 am

    Hey buddy I’m so proud of you and thank god that you serving our country the way you are! Thank god for men like you. Can’t wait for you to return home man be safe out there!!