TN soldier killed in helicopter crash

News release from Department of Veterans Affairs

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder recognize the service and sacrifice of Specialist Jeremy Tomlin of Chapel Hill, Tenn.  The Marshall County U.S. Army soldier was working as a crew chief and training in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter when it crashed on Monday, April 17, 2017 in Leornardtown, Md.   Tomlin was pronounced dead at the scene and two other crew members were critically injured. Tomlin,22, was assigned to “C” Company, 12^th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir, Va.

”Jeremy was a son, brother and husband who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country,” Haslam said.  “We pause to remember this young Tennessee soldier killed in the line of duty and as a state we offer our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.”

Tomlin served nearly five years in the U.S. Army and graduated from Community High School in Unionville.  He was born in Murfreesboro, but grew up in Unionville near Chapel Hill in Marshall County.

“The loss of Specialist Tomlin is a solemn reminder of the dangers our service members face as they train, patrol or deploy into combat,” Grinder said.  “We grieve with the Tomlin family and join them in paying our respects for his sacrifice.”

Tomlin is survived by his wife, Jessica Mae Tomlin of Marshall County, mother Jenny Lynn Tomlin of Chapel Hill, sisters Kaitlyn and Kayla Tomlin and grandparents Ronnie and Teresa Tomlin. 

Visitation will be on Friday, April 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Gowen-Smith Chapel at 850 Union Street in Shelbyville, TN.  The funeral service for Tomlin will also be held at the Gowen-Smith Chapel on Saturday, April 29 at 1:00 p.m.  Media are not permitted inside the chapel and interviews with family members will not be offered.

Graveside services will be held at Cothran Cemetery, Fruit Valley Road in Rockvale, TN on Saturday, April 29, directly after the funeral service.  Media is permitted at the site, but no interviews with family will be offered.

During his time in service, Tomlin received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Basic Army Aviator Badge.