One of the nine soldiers killed in a Wednesday night two-helicopter crash has been identified as 25-year-old man Caleb Gore.
Tim Gore, Wayne County pastor of Fremont Missionary Baptist Church in Fremont, North Carolina, recently posted a series of emotional public messages on Facebook about his son, and later delivered a touching tribute through CBS 17.
At 4:38 AM Thursday, Gore wrote: “My precious son, Caleb, was killed in a tragic helicopter accident last night. He was the light of my world and I have no words to express my grief right now. My words are my tears right now. Please pray for us all.”
Gore later told CBS 17 that Caleb was “a loving and wonderful child,” “everything a father could possibly wish for,” and “a real-life Captain America.”
Gore also told CBS 17 that Caleb “couldn’t wait to join the Army, enlisting before graduating high school,” and that he became an airborne medic with a passion for search and rescue.
His father also said Caleb was 25 years old, was soon to be a registered nurse, was taking leadership training, and that his wife, Haleigh, is expecting their first child.
“He is my son,” Tim wrote. “He is my hero and I am proud that God let him call me Dad.”
A tribute to Caleb has been set up in front of the Fremont Missionary Baptist Church, where flowers and words of peace are being received. FMBC is located at 108 Vance Street in Fremont, North Carolina.
Eight other soldiers remain unidentified at this time. More on Caleb can be found here.
