Don Cayetano Viray
1986-2012
From Waipahu, Hawaii
Army, Chief Warrant Officer
MEDEVAC Chase Helicopter Pilot
Iraq 9/09-7/10
Afghanistan 1/12-4/12
Words Provided in 2014
Don was killed in action on April 19, 2012 when his helicopter was shot down
Written statement by his family
From Waipahu, Hawaii
Army, Chief Warrant Officer
MEDEVAC Chase Helicopter Pilot
Iraq 9/09-7/10
Afghanistan 1/12-4/12
Words Provided in 2014
Don was killed in action on April 19, 2012 when his helicopter was shot down
Written statement by his family
In an interview Don states, “I wanted to be a medevac guy. Be the guy who everyone wants to see. Get them out when they’re hurt. And just get them help.”
Don Cayetano Viray was a chief warrant officer and a blackhawk helicopter pilot for the United States Army. During the last days of his life, he was one of the soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Schofield Barracks Hawaiʻi supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. On the night his life would end, Afghan police officers were in dire need of medical attention. The crew who were originally called to take the rescue mission declined to go. But Don and his crew bravely took to the skies to their rescue. En route to these injured Afghan police officers, Don and his crew were killed. “It’s no surprise that he would go all in when others would retreat,” says his sister.
He lived for a mere 25 years, but he made the most of his short life. His mom remembers, “Don was a good son with a big heart.” While his dad says, “Don was focused on his personal and professional goals.” At the end of his life, Don was a college graduate with his own house, as well as a decorated veteran with a distinguished military career.
“I’m no hero,” Don tells a friend. Then he claims, “The people who died and left their families behind are the heroes.” So now and forever, he’s a hero.
Don Cayetano Viray was a chief warrant officer and a blackhawk helicopter pilot for the United States Army. During the last days of his life, he was one of the soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Schofield Barracks Hawaiʻi supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. On the night his life would end, Afghan police officers were in dire need of medical attention. The crew who were originally called to take the rescue mission declined to go. But Don and his crew bravely took to the skies to their rescue. En route to these injured Afghan police officers, Don and his crew were killed. “It’s no surprise that he would go all in when others would retreat,” says his sister.
He lived for a mere 25 years, but he made the most of his short life. His mom remembers, “Don was a good son with a big heart.” While his dad says, “Don was focused on his personal and professional goals.” At the end of his life, Don was a college graduate with his own house, as well as a decorated veteran with a distinguished military career.
“I’m no hero,” Don tells a friend. Then he claims, “The people who died and left their families behind are the heroes.” So now and forever, he’s a hero.