The single coffin carrying a portion of the remains of the 12 soldiers was carried into Arlington Cemetery with full military honors.
Including a flyover by Blackhawk helicopters like the one shot down last January over Baghdad with the dozen aboard.
Colonel Brian Allgood was the top U.S. Army doctor in Iraq.
Command Sergeant Major Marilyn Gabbard the top ranked enlisted woman in the Iowa National Guard.
Virginia National Guard Colonel Paul Kelly was one of the most senior U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq.
Kelly?s brother John spoke at the service.
"My brother's a hero. He loved his country. He loved his family." said John Kelly.
Colonel Kelly?s wife Maria and their sons attended today's unusual group burial service.
Maria Kelly said, "It was a great idea. I think we can bond together as a family. We can cry and talk about it. It helps us to continue our life."
National Guard Lieutenant Colonel David Canegata, from the Virgin Islands was 50.
Command Sergeant Major Roger Haller of Maryland was 49 years-old.
Corporal Victor Langarica also died in the crash.
His mother Marie says she sent him to Iraq with a warning.
"I just told him, if you don't make it back, I?m going to be a very angry mom. I?m not going to forgive you I said because your kids need you." said Langarica.
It's the largest group burial so far from the Iraq war.
NBC News Channel
