Gunfighter dies in aircraft crash

Thursday, March 29, 2012

A pilot from Mountain Home Air Force Base was killed Wednesday morning after his aircraft crashed about 15 miles from a U.S. base in southwest Asia.

The F-15E Strike Eagle pilot was among 300 members from the base deployed to the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His name was not immediately released by the Defense Department pending notification of his next of kin.

The weapons system officer in the two-seat fighter sustained minor injures in the crash and was taken to a military medical facility in the region for treatment.

"This is obviously a very sad day for the Gunfighters, as we mourn the loss of one of our warriors," said Col. Ron Buckley, 366th Fighter Wing commander in a prepared statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time."

More than 300 Mountain Home airmen are currently deployed to southwest Asia in support of military operations in the region. About 200 of those Gunfighters had just deployed from the base March 12.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Many thoughts and prayers for this persons family - and all of our troops on this sad day.

-- Posted by mtnhomemama on Thu, Mar 29, 2012, at 8:41 AM
A dark cloud hangs over base today. From all the heavy hearts. Many prayers for the family. Such a sad day.

-- Posted by Enlistedwife on Thu, Mar 29, 2012, at 12:20 PM
Because I fly

I laugh more than other men

I look up an see more than they,

I know how the clouds feel,

What it's like to have the blue in my lap,

to look down on birds,

to feel freedom in a thing called the stick...

who but I can slice between God's billowed legs,

and feel then laugh and crash with His step

Who else has seen the unclimbed peaks?

The rainbow's secret?

The real reason birds sing?

Because I Fly,

I envy no man on earth.

-- Grover C. Norwood

Rest in peace.

-- Posted by jtrotter on Thu, Mar 29, 2012, at 3:14 PM
My prayers to the Gunfighter family.

-- Posted by justsayingtoo on Fri, Mar 30, 2012, at 9:11 AM

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