Tellico Hatchery manager Jon Ellis and technician Rob Theurer were recently awarded letters of commendation and silver challenge coins from the U.S. Navy for their assistance with the tragic crash of the U.S T-45 Goshawk near the fish hatchery located in Monroe County. TWRA staff assisted in several capacities throughout the recovery efforts for several days in the area’s rough terrain. The Tellico Hatchery served as headquarters for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corp and Airforce.
The Tellico Hatchery is a scenic, serene place to visit. It bustles with normal hatchery activities of feeding, stocking, maintenance and scientific research similar to any hatchery. However, October brought unsettling tragedy. Tellico hatchery manager, Jonathan Ellis was checking for water contamination when he crossed paths with two U.S. Marines. Ellis stated, “We knew the crash occurred, but we didn’t know how close it was to the hatchery.” With the rough terrain, marines were working on a route to the crash site. Ellis was able to lead them.
“I instantly felt part of a tremendous team with an overwhelmingly important mission. Our armed forces consist of remarkable individuals and I was honored to help them,” shared Ellis. Ellis not only led the marines to the crash site, he and his staff helped over a long week of recovery operations. Ellis expressed, “Coming across this tragic scene, black hawk helicopters circling above the site and sensing the overwhelming loss was life changing for me. I have accomplished many things in my life, but being part of this effort and working with our astounding armed forces has affected me like nothing else.” Ellis continued, “I’m so proud of the hatchery employees too. Jessica Matoy, Rob Theurer and Wilson Tankersley all played an important role throughout this time. Matoy kept the hatchery running and didn’t miss a single trout stocking event in Green Cove Pond or in the rivers. Theurer helped close roads, lead groups up the mountain and provided assistance with aircraft recovery.”
Other TWRA employees joined in efforts to extinguish fire in the area, patrol borders and staff roadblocks. Tellico Wildlife Management Area technician Freddy Kelly played an instrumental role and was awarded a bronze Airforce challenge coin. Kelly marked the easiest route, utilizing an old railroad bed, to the crash site for servicemen to gain access. Collaborative efforts between the U.S. Forest Service, Monroe County Emergency Management, U.S. Navy, Airforce and Marine Corp as well as many volunteers reflected the best of humanity during a difficult event.
Naval Commander, Brian Beaumgaertner shared, “Jon and Rob were pivotal in our response efforts. They allowed our command post to be put up in the confines of the hatchery's land. They helped clear a landing zone for our H-60 Blackhawk support; which allowed us to efficiently and respectfully bring our fallen Aviators off the mountain in the quickest way possible. Jon and Rob know these mountains, valleys, rivers and streams like the back of their hand. This knowledge was pivotal to the recovery effort and still remains important for the environmental cleanup.”
TWRA employees have dedicated their careers as public servants and are often called to duties outside their normal working parameters. Pride in a day’s hard work is evident when hearing Ellis described climbing the mountain up to eight times per day and working as long as there was light to ensure the most respectful outcome for the fallen Airmen. Ellis’s tone of voice was overwhelmingly humbled when he describes joining the U.S. armed forces in their efforts. Ellis shared, “I’m deeply touched by my time working with them through a tragic event. We are humbled and honored to receive this letter of commendation and coins.”
The Tellico Hatchery will remain closed to the public until further notice. Trout stocking efforts will continue as usual.
