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| Courtesy photo |
| Second Lt. Tyler L. Peterson, D Co., 1st Bn., 145th Avn. Regt. |
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Community remembers fallen flight student
By Michelle Owens,
Army Flier Staff Writer
Soldiers, Family and friends gathered at the Main Post Chapel to pay their respects and remember a Soldier, brother, son and friend Tuesday. Second Lt. Tyler Lewis Peterson, 23, was a flight student assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment. He was killed in a motor vehicle accident Nov. 25 in Pensacola, Fla.
Battalion Chaplain Maj. Stephen Alsleben prayed for Peterson’s family and friends and asked God to console and comfort them.
“Surround them with your love … and give them strength for the days to come,” he said.
Peterson’s friends remembered the young Soldier as a great friend.
First Lt. Trevor Jackson met Peterson at a leadership course at Fort
Lewis, Wash., a few years ago before attending flight training with him.
While at Fort Rucker, he welcomed Peterson into his home and soon, his friend became a member of the Jackson Family.
“Family meant so much to Tyler and he loved his very much,” Jackson said. “Whenever Tyler wasn’t with (my Family), if we saw a (OH-58D Kiowa Warrior) flying overhead, my children would often ask if that was Uncle Tyler flying. I will never forget Tyler … and I’m thankful for his friendship.”
Peterson’s roommate 1st Lt. Louis Kohl remembers the fun times they had together watching football, playing video games, studying and talking together.
“Tyler will always be with us,” he said. “On the days we go out and fly in the sky, heaven will be a little bit closer and so will Tyler. Tyler was one of my best friends and I’m glad I got the opportunity to know him.”
Although Peterson didn’t grow up in a military Family, he always wanted to serve, according to D Co. Commander Maj. Scott Capehart.
“His strong family upbringing undoubtedly led him to the military,” he said. “His parents instilled the will and desire to become the best. As we grieve for Tyler, never forget the thoughts and experiences he brought to your lives and the memories you will always have.”
Peterson, a Wisconsin native, was born April 28, 1985. He received a ROTC scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he reached the position of battalion commander and received the George C. Marshall Award, which honors the top ROTC cadets in the nation.
After graduating, he joined the National Guard. Peterson attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., before attending flight school here. He was scheduled to begin training in the OH-58D in February.
Peterson is survived by his parents and brother.
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