For the partner of Erwin Warnies, a copilot for the Dutch Marine Corps who died in July in a helicopter accident off the coast of Aruba, he had to return home after this mission. But today, he is no longer with us, and is why she is telling the story of Erwin so their daughter can know who he is.
Jessica Havik met the love of her life 8 years ago on a ship. They were both marines and on an operational mission against drugs in the Caribbean. Jessica was in charge of food and drinks, while Erwin was a watch officer. They had the same rank and were a lot together. She was the only female, so Erwin offered to watch ‘chick-flicks’ and series with her.
They started dating, and after a couple of months, they decided to move in together in Den Helder, close to the base where they worked.
They were both adventurous, that is why Jessica works at the Ministry of Defence. Erwin loved to laugh and tell stories. Two years ago, their daughter Fleur was born, and Erwin was delighted. Wherever he had to leave, he would leave something behind for her. After the passing of Erwin, Jessica learned that Erwin would always show his friends pictures of Fleur.
Everything changed this year when once again, Erwin had to leave for an anti-drug mission. The NH90 helicopter Erwin and Christien Martens were flying crashed near the coast of Aruba. According to Jessica, they have done something many times, but this last time something went wrong. Defense Security Inspectorate (IVD) is investigating what happened. Two people survived the crash; both Christien Martens and Erwin did not make it.
At 12.30 am, a soldier showed up at Jessica’s home, but she could not believe it. She thought it was a joke. The moment she saw the Admiral, she knew that Erwin was dead. Jessica had to tell their daughter Fleur that her father has passed away. During the funeral, Fleur kept touching her father to tickle him like she used to do when he was sleeping or on the couch. She told her mom that dad was not reacting. In the beginning, Fleur had a hard time, never wanting to leave the site of her mom. But she is doing better since they went camping, but she still looks at her father’s picture to talk to him.
