Grone enlisted in the Army in 2017 as a 15T UH-60 “Black Hawk” repairer and was assigned to the 160th SOAR (Airborne). After completing the regiment’s extensive assessment and training program in 2018, Grone reported to Fox Company, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR (Airborne) for service as an MH-60M Repairer. Six months later, Staff Sgt Grone reported to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR (Airborne) and served as a flight instructor and fully mission-qualified MH-60M crew chief.
While serving in the 160th SOAR (Airborne), Grone deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and supported several no-notice deployments and exercises worldwide in support of national security objectives.
Grone graduated from the Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level 1, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course, the Basic Leaders Course, and Advanced Leaders Course.
Grone’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with combat device, Army Achievement medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.
