On Jan. 12, 2009, Rudder's Rangers were their way to Bastrop to compete in Training Exercises, They were to be transported by Black Hawk helicopters flown by members of the National Guard. One of the five helicopters crashed on Duncan Field. Two soldiers died, including 2nd Lt. Zachary Cook, Aggie class of 2008. Five others were injured.
Jan. 12, 2009: A Black Hawk helicopter with the Texas Army National Guard crashed on Duncan Field on the A&M campus.
Five helicopters arrived from Austin earlier that morning to shuttle members of Rudder's Rangers to Camp Swift in Bastrop for an annual Winter Field Training Exercise.
The helicopter took off around 3 p.m. and fell to the ground from 100 to 150 feet. Two soldiers died from sustained injuries, including 2nd Lt. Zachary Cook, Aggie class of 2008. Three others were injured. No students were aboard the helicopter.
The U.S. Army investigation determined that a rotor malfunctioned, according to The Eagle.
Jan. 12, 1952: Reveille II arrived on campus. She was donated by Arthur Weinert, class of 1900. She was mascot for 14 years.