Washington, D.C. – On December 5, 2019, three Minnesota National Guardsmen were tragically killed when their UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter experienced engine failure during their flight. In honor of their memory, Representatives Michelle Fischbach and Tom Emmer are proposing legislation to rename local post offices in their honor.
“Today marks the two year anniversary of the tragic UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crash that killed two of the 7th District’s own, Charles P. Nord, James A. Rogers Jr., and their fellow brother in arms, Kort M. Plantenberg. This week, along with Congressman Emmer, I will be proposing bills to rename post offices in their honor,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, “This is a humbling day. These young men were taken far too soon, and every little bit we can do as a country to remember them and thank them, though it will never be enough, has value.”
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord was working on building a home in Perham with his wife Kaley, their daughter Lydia, and their unborn son Jack Charles. Shortly after graduating high school in 2007, he enlisted in the MN National Guard. He was selected to Warrant Officer training to qualify for helicopter flight school at Fort Rucker, AL, where he graduated with high honors. Nord and his family moved back to Minnesota where Charles found his calling as a medevac helicopter pilot. In addition to rising to Chief Warrant Officer 2, he was a crop sprayer at Bond Helicopter Service of Perham. He often said he landed his dream job. Friends and family remember him by his quick-witted humor, his ability to brighten anyone’s day, and his incredible love for his family and friends.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Rogers, Jr. was an outgoing, charismatic young man. He attended Saint James High School and graduated from Saint Cloud State. He joined the MN National Guard in 2009 and went on to complete flight school training in Fort Rucker, AL. Throughout his time in the Guard, he was awarded several medals and ribbons including Army Achievement Medal and the Air Medal. Rogers had big plans. He wanted to go back to flight school to add fixed wing commercial aircraft to his skillset before going on to earn an MBA or Law degree. He had a large extended family, and loved spending time with them and his friends. Loved ones say he could always be counted on for a practical joke or a kind word just when you needed it most.
Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
