Kettering solider killed in Afghanistan

KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN) - The Department of Defense confirmed on Sunday that a soldier from the Dayton-area has died overseas.

Chief Warrant Officer James E. Groves III, 37, of Kettering, died March 16 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield.  

Groves served as a Kiowa pilot. A Department of Defense spokesman told 2 NEWS he was killed in a helicopter crash.

According to a D.O.D news release, the incident is under investigation.

Leslie Groves, the victim's mother, told 2 NEWS her son joined the military in 1994 after graduating from Fairmont High School.

She said his career in the military has taken him all over the country, but most recently he lived in Savannah, Georgia with his wife and two small children.

This was Groves' fourth deployment. His mother said he was approximately one year away from retirement, but loved serving his country.

Chief Warrant Officer Groves' awards include the Air Medal.