The 30 American service members who died in a helicopter crash early Saturday were meant to be reinforcing other troops in Afghanistan. The soldiers were on a “quick reaction” mission to assist other military personnel engaged in an intense battle with insurgents. President Obama called it “a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan.” A U.S. military official said it is believed that insurgents shot down the CH-47 Chinook.
