Release No. 0083.15 Contact: Office of Communications (202)720-4623

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Statement from Secretary Vilsack on Helicopter Crash in DeSoto National Forest in Mississippi

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement:

"I was deeply saddened to learn that U.S. Forest Service Engineering Technician Steve Cobb gave his life in service to his country yesterday afternoon. I hope and pray for the healing and speedy, full recovery of U.S. Forest Service Supervisory Forestry Technician Brendan Mullen, who was injured in the helicopter crash.

"The loved ones and colleagues of Brendan, Steve, and Brandon Ricks, who also lost his life in the crash, are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. On behalf of the United States Department of Agriculture, I thank them for risking their lives to protect us, our homes and natural resources."

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