VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Hundreds gathered in Virginia Beach on Saturday for a memorial ride honoring the 31 victims killed 15 years ago when a U.S. military helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.
On Aug. 6, 2011, a Chinook helicopter with the call sign “Extortion 17” was brought down in Afghanistan, killing 30 Americans, including 17 Navy SEALs, and one military working dog. The attack marked the deadliest single incident for U.S. forces in the War in Afghanistan.
The 15th anniversary event in Virginia Beach began with a ceremony at Great Neck Square featuring the reading of the victims’ names, a prayer ceremony, and a few brief speeches, including one from Mayor Bobby Dyer…