Staff Sgt. Steven P. Blass, 27, of Estherville, Iowa. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He died March 11, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Blass, a Black Hawk crew chief, joined the Army in March 2006 and arrived at the unit in August 2012. This was his second deployment. His awards include the Air Medal.
Steve was born April 1, 1985, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass. He grew up in Estherville where he attended Estherville Lincoln Central Schools from Kindergarten through graduation in May 2003. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College before joining the Army. Steve's passion since he was a young boy was flying, taking flying lessons in his teen years. Star Wars and paint ball activities were two of his favorites along with golf and playing football in high school. With his family, he enjoyed collector cars, spectator racing, Minneapolis-Moline tractors, working and playing at the farm and just being together. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. Steve worked at Fishermen's Factory Outlet in Spirit Lake, Iowa for several years before leaving to begin his career with the United States Army on March 13, 2006.
Upon finishing his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and his AIT training at Fort Eustis, VA, Steve was stationed at Fort Campbell, KT and Clarksville, TN. On May 15, 2009, Steve was united in marriage to Tricia Anne Stayer in Tennessee. After their marriage Steve was deployed to Camp Humphreys, Korea. Tricia joined him there in February 2010. From there they were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA in August 2011. Steve and Tricia were blessed with their son, Hayden Cole, born November 1, 2011.
Steve was deployed with the Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation to Kandahar, Afghanistan on December 14, 2012. He returned to United States soil as a fallen hero on March 13, 2013, exactly 7 years from the day he left for basic training. Staff Sergeant Steve Blass died Monday, March 11, 2013 at the age of 27 in a Black Hawk, Black Hat 14, UH-60L #270 Helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan which also killed four other members of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. His military honors include Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Basic Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, Basic Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Badge and Bar. Rank: SSG, Weapon: Rifle Expert.
Left to celebrate Steve's life are his Wife, Tricia, and Son, Hayden, Savannah, GA, Parents Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass of Estherville, Brother Matthew Blass and Niece Jaycee Blass, Estherville, Grandmother Elberta Erickson, Terril, Mother and Father's-in-Law, Patricia and Carl Rogers, and James Stayer, and Sister-in-law Rachel Stayer, all of Tennessee, Uncle and Aunt, Larry and Karen (Erickson) Stoller, Uncle Chris Blass, Aunt Coleen Blass, Cousins Lyndsi (Jesse) Logan, Missy Heisler, Kristi (Seth) Hudgins, Jay (Wendy) Blass, and many other family members and friends throughout the world. Steve was preceded in death by his Grandfathers, C. Don Erickson and Norman Blass, Grandmother Dorothy Blass, Uncle Michael Blass, Uncle Gary Ridenour and Cousin Katie Ridenour. Obituary information provided by Henry-Olson Funeral Home.
Steve was born April 1, 1985, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass. He grew up in Estherville where he attended Estherville Lincoln Central Schools from Kindergarten through graduation in May 2003. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College before joining the Army. Steve's passion since he was a young boy was flying, taking flying lessons in his teen years. Star Wars and paint ball activities were two of his favorites along with golf and playing football in high school. With his family, he enjoyed collector cars, spectator racing, Minneapolis-Moline tractors, working and playing at the farm and just being together. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. Steve worked at Fishermen's Factory Outlet in Spirit Lake, Iowa for several years before leaving to begin his career with the United States Army on March 13, 2006.
Upon finishing his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and his AIT training at Fort Eustis, VA, Steve was stationed at Fort Campbell, KT and Clarksville, TN. On May 15, 2009, Steve was united in marriage to Tricia Anne Stayer in Tennessee. After their marriage Steve was deployed to Camp Humphreys, Korea. Tricia joined him there in February 2010. From there they were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA in August 2011. Steve and Tricia were blessed with their son, Hayden Cole, born November 1, 2011.
Steve was deployed with the Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation to Kandahar, Afghanistan on December 14, 2012. He returned to United States soil as a fallen hero on March 13, 2013, exactly 7 years from the day he left for basic training. Staff Sergeant Steve Blass died Monday, March 11, 2013 at the age of 27 in a Black Hawk, Black Hat 14, UH-60L #270 Helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan which also killed four other members of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. His military honors include Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Basic Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, Basic Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Badge and Bar. Rank: SSG, Weapon: Rifle Expert.
Left to celebrate Steve's life are his Wife, Tricia, and Son, Hayden, Savannah, GA, Parents Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass of Estherville, Brother Matthew Blass and Niece Jaycee Blass, Estherville, Grandmother Elberta Erickson, Terril, Mother and Father's-in-Law, Patricia and Carl Rogers, and James Stayer, and Sister-in-law Rachel Stayer, all of Tennessee, Uncle and Aunt, Larry and Karen (Erickson) Stoller, Uncle Chris Blass, Aunt Coleen Blass, Cousins Lyndsi (Jesse) Logan, Missy Heisler, Kristi (Seth) Hudgins, Jay (Wendy) Blass, and many other family members and friends throughout the world. Steve was preceded in death by his Grandfathers, C. Don Erickson and Norman Blass, Grandmother Dorothy Blass, Uncle Michael Blass, Uncle Gary Ridenour and Cousin Katie Ridenour. Obituary information provided by Henry-Olson Funeral Home.
Staff Sgt. Steven P. Blass, 27, of Estherville, Iowa. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He died March 11, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Blass, a Black Hawk crew chief, joined the Army in March 2006 and arrived at the unit in August 2012. This was his second deployment. His awards include the Air Medal.
Steve was born April 1, 1985, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass. He grew up in Estherville where he attended Estherville Lincoln Central Schools from Kindergarten through graduation in May 2003. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College before joining the Army. Steve's passion since he was a young boy was flying, taking flying lessons in his teen years. Star Wars and paint ball activities were two of his favorites along with golf and playing football in high school. With his family, he enjoyed collector cars, spectator racing, Minneapolis-Moline tractors, working and playing at the farm and just being together. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. Steve worked at Fishermen's Factory Outlet in Spirit Lake, Iowa for several years before leaving to begin his career with the United States Army on March 13, 2006.
Upon finishing his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and his AIT training at Fort Eustis, VA, Steve was stationed at Fort Campbell, KT and Clarksville, TN. On May 15, 2009, Steve was united in marriage to Tricia Anne Stayer in Tennessee. After their marriage Steve was deployed to Camp Humphreys, Korea. Tricia joined him there in February 2010. From there they were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA in August 2011. Steve and Tricia were blessed with their son, Hayden Cole, born November 1, 2011.
Steve was deployed with the Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation to Kandahar, Afghanistan on December 14, 2012. He returned to United States soil as a fallen hero on March 13, 2013, exactly 7 years from the day he left for basic training. Staff Sergeant Steve Blass died Monday, March 11, 2013 at the age of 27 in a Black Hawk, Black Hat 14, UH-60L #270 Helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan which also killed four other members of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. His military honors include Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Basic Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, Basic Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Badge and Bar. Rank: SSG, Weapon: Rifle Expert.
Left to celebrate Steve's life are his Wife, Tricia, and Son, Hayden, Savannah, GA, Parents Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass of Estherville, Brother Matthew Blass and Niece Jaycee Blass, Estherville, Grandmother Elberta Erickson, Terril, Mother and Father's-in-Law, Patricia and Carl Rogers, and James Stayer, and Sister-in-law Rachel Stayer, all of Tennessee, Uncle and Aunt, Larry and Karen (Erickson) Stoller, Uncle Chris Blass, Aunt Coleen Blass, Cousins Lyndsi (Jesse) Logan, Missy Heisler, Kristi (Seth) Hudgins, Jay (Wendy) Blass, and many other family members and friends throughout the world. Steve was preceded in death by his Grandfathers, C. Don Erickson and Norman Blass, Grandmother Dorothy Blass, Uncle Michael Blass, Uncle Gary Ridenour and Cousin Katie Ridenour. Obituary information provided by Henry-Olson Funeral Home.
Steve was born April 1, 1985, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass. He grew up in Estherville where he attended Estherville Lincoln Central Schools from Kindergarten through graduation in May 2003. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College before joining the Army. Steve's passion since he was a young boy was flying, taking flying lessons in his teen years. Star Wars and paint ball activities were two of his favorites along with golf and playing football in high school. With his family, he enjoyed collector cars, spectator racing, Minneapolis-Moline tractors, working and playing at the farm and just being together. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. Steve worked at Fishermen's Factory Outlet in Spirit Lake, Iowa for several years before leaving to begin his career with the United States Army on March 13, 2006.
Upon finishing his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and his AIT training at Fort Eustis, VA, Steve was stationed at Fort Campbell, KT and Clarksville, TN. On May 15, 2009, Steve was united in marriage to Tricia Anne Stayer in Tennessee. After their marriage Steve was deployed to Camp Humphreys, Korea. Tricia joined him there in February 2010. From there they were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA in August 2011. Steve and Tricia were blessed with their son, Hayden Cole, born November 1, 2011.
Steve was deployed with the Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation to Kandahar, Afghanistan on December 14, 2012. He returned to United States soil as a fallen hero on March 13, 2013, exactly 7 years from the day he left for basic training. Staff Sergeant Steve Blass died Monday, March 11, 2013 at the age of 27 in a Black Hawk, Black Hat 14, UH-60L #270 Helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan which also killed four other members of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. His military honors include Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Basic Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, Basic Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Badge and Bar. Rank: SSG, Weapon: Rifle Expert.
Left to celebrate Steve's life are his Wife, Tricia, and Son, Hayden, Savannah, GA, Parents Randy and Carol (Erickson) Blass of Estherville, Brother Matthew Blass and Niece Jaycee Blass, Estherville, Grandmother Elberta Erickson, Terril, Mother and Father's-in-Law, Patricia and Carl Rogers, and James Stayer, and Sister-in-law Rachel Stayer, all of Tennessee, Uncle and Aunt, Larry and Karen (Erickson) Stoller, Uncle Chris Blass, Aunt Coleen Blass, Cousins Lyndsi (Jesse) Logan, Missy Heisler, Kristi (Seth) Hudgins, Jay (Wendy) Blass, and many other family members and friends throughout the world. Steve was preceded in death by his Grandfathers, C. Don Erickson and Norman Blass, Grandmother Dorothy Blass, Uncle Michael Blass, Uncle Gary Ridenour and Cousin Katie Ridenour. Obituary information provided by Henry-Olson Funeral Home.
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