A memorial ceremony was held today, honoring U.S. Warrant Officer James Casadona, the son of Lakewood High School Security Specialist and retired NJ State Police Trooper Cheri Kelcourse. James died in a helicopter crash last year.

Casadona was a pilot in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and crashed in a training area at the sprawling Army post that straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee line. They were the only two people on board the helicopter. The other on board was Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Connolly, who also died in the crash. Casadona joined in 2012.

With a Lakewood High School band presentation and a 21-gun salute, a tree was planted outside the Lakewood High School to serve as a lasting memory for James.

In attendance, was Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer and officers, as well as members from the New Jersey State Police. A State Police flyover was cancelled due to the weather.