In Memory of Michael Edwards

Specialist Michael Ignatius Edwards, a crew chief with Company B, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation, died on January 7, 2006, in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crash near the Iraqi town of Tal Afar. The aircraft involved was one of two aircraft in a night operation. Specialist Edwards was a brave soldier, who will be remembered with honor by family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Specialist Edwards first joined Company D, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation, on October 9, 2003, as a UH-60 helicopter repairman. He had eight years combined military service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
Specialist Edwards received several awards during his military career. Those include: Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge and Expert Marksmanship Badge for M16.
Specialist Edwards was awarded the following awards posthumously: Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and the Alaska Distinguished Service Medal.
Specialist Edwards was a graduate of Adlai E. Steveson High, In the Bronx, New York. He was persuing his education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Specialist Edwards is survided by; his fiancee, Danielle O'Brien, daughter Destiny, son Elijah of Alaska, mother Bernardine Castro, father, Alexis Joseph Jr., brothers, U.S. Army Sergeant Alek Blanville, Emory Blanville and sister Sanguani Young.