The Fallen Six
Captain Daniel B. Bartle
Daniel Bartle was born on April 9, 1984 in Salinas California to John and Sandra Bartle. He grew up in Missoula, Montana, before moving to Ferndale, Washington, as a high school freshman. In 2002, he graduated as valedictorian from Ferndale High School with a 4.0 GPA.
He attended the United States Naval Academy as a member of the 25th Company and competed on the power lifting team. Midshipman Bartle graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in electrical engineering and a minor in Spanish, which he spoke fluently.
Upon his commissioning, 2nd Lieutenant Bartle was assigned to initial flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and later to Training Squadron Two (VT-2) “Doer Birds” Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida.
In July 2011, Captain Bartle was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363. He is decorated with two Air Medals and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among other awards, and served two deployments to Afghanistan.
Captain Nathan R. McHone
Nathan McHone was born April 24, 1982. A native of Crystal Lake, Illinois, he went on to join the Marine Corps and in was commissioned in September 2005. After The Basic School in Quantico Virginia, he then went on to Naval Aviation Command in Pensacola, Florida, for flight school.
After two years, Nathan was assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Training-302 Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group-29, as a student pilot in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He then reported for duty with MAG-24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, as a Basic CH-53D pilot. In October 2009, Capt McHone transferred to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-363, Marine Aircraft Group-24, 1st MAW, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
He is decorated with two Air Medals, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a NATO Medal. He served two deployments in Afghanistan.
Master Sergeant Travis W. Riddick
Travis Riddick was born June 26, 1971 and grew up in Centerville, Iowa. He joined the Marines after graduating from Centerville High School in 1990. He served with the Marine One Presidential Helicopter Squadron, and flew for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush prior to his time as a Red Lion.
He had just been promoted by the Marines on Jan. 1, 2012 prior to the crash. He had served three tours in Iraq, and two in Afghanistan.
Travis came from a strong military background, and his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousins were also Marines. His twin brother Troy retired after serving 21 years in the Navy.
Travis Riddick is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and six children: Victoria Riddick and Levi Riddick and Charles Lovelace, Matt Lovelace, James Lovelace and Zachary Lovelace.
Corporal Jesse W. Stites
Jesse Wade Stites was born March 8, 1988, to John and Carol Stites. He grew up and attended school in Interlachen, Florida, graduating high school in 2006. After graduation, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Jan. 14, 2008.
Jesse has earned many awards while serving, including three Air Medals, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Service Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, Expert Pistol, and Expert Rifle.
He is survived by his wife, Kristin; mother, Carol "Ski" Stites; siblings, Angel Borgers, Donna Naterelli and Shaun Tullar; and grandmother, Carol Lamere.
Corporal Joseph D. Logan
Joseph Logan was born September 6, 1989 and was a native of Willis, Texas. He graduated Willis High School in 2008 and enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving 2 deployments in Afghanistan. His awards and honors include an Air Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and NATO ISAF Medal.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Melissa Rushing; parents Tom and Debi Logan; brother Tommy Logan and wife Windy; brother Robert Logan; sister Tricia Nickel and husband Charles; sister Andrea Logan; grandparents Carol and Gene Miehlke; grandmother Sylvia Logan; nephews Shane Logan, Austin Logan, and Daniel Nickel; niece Rebecca Nickel; and numerous other relatives.
Corporal Kevin J. Reinhard
Kevin Reinhard was born on October 27, 1986 and grew up in Colonia, New Jersey. He was a 2005 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, where he played on the volleyball team.
As a student at Ramapo College and Middlesex County College he interrupted his studies to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in Spring of 2008. He served two deployments to Afghanistan.
Kevin leaves behind his mother and father, James B. and Kathleen Rose, as well as his sister Kathleen Marie of Colonia, and a loving extended family.