Freedom Remembered

Born: August 25, 1983 in Georgetown, South Carolina
Died August 29, 1004 in Irag

Airman 1st Class Carl L. Anderson, Jr of Georgetown, South Carolina is a 2001 graduate of Georgetown High School where he was voted most popular in his senior class, and participated in several activities including ROTC. In his junior year, he was voted ‘Prom Prince,’ and ‘Prom King’, in his senior year. The popular, laid back student was also on the yearbook staff. Upon graduation he entered the Air Force and was deployed with the 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group where he served as a transportation operator. His family wanted him to further his education by attending college, but Carl had his mind set on the Air Force. He even enlisted a month before graduation in May, and by December, he was active duty. Carl was a member of Greater St. Stephen AME Church. He is the son of Rev. Carl and Doris Anderson and also leaves, his sisters, Carletta and Ki’Maro. There’s no doubt that the well mannered, respectful young man had a bright future. He was killed at age 21 by enemy action near Mosul, Iraq after his convoy hit a roadside bomb. A street at Elmendorf Air Force Base was named in his honor.
Air Force
3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron,
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska

Burial is at Morning Glory Cemetery in Georgetown, South Carolina

Born: August 14, 1974
Died: February 17, 2007 in Afghanistan

Tech Sgt Scott E. Duffman of Albuquerque, New Mexico was a 1992 graduate of La Cueva High School where he participated on the wrestling team. Scott knew he wanted to be a pararescueman from the time he was a young boy. His mother was an Air Force medic and his stepfather was also in the Air Force. He joined the Air Force following graduation and had been in and out of Afghanistan on a number of deployments since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Scott loved excitement, loved to live fast, and to live in the moment. He loved fast cars and motorcycles. He also loved skiing, scuba diving, skydiving and mountain climbing. He thrived on bets, dares, pranks. Once, he and some pararescue buddies came to visit his mom and decided one night to bet on what time the sun came up. They crawled onto the roof and drank until they had a winner. The loser had to strip naked and run the cul de sac on foot. He had adventure, success and recognition, and he did everything he ever wanted to do in his life. Scott had been in Afghanistan for five days when he died. His Awards and Decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He leaves his wife, Mary and daughter, Sophia, and his mother, Rose Duffman among others. He died at age 32 when the coalition CH-47 helicopter he was riding in crashed in eastern Afghanistan.
Air Force
24th Special Tactics Squadron
Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site 8539

Born: December 18, 1983 in Pennsylvania
Died: July 1, 2006 in Camp Bucca, Iraq

Airman 1st Class Carl J. Ware of Glassboro, New Jersey is the son of Carl and Rose Ware. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in February of 2004 as a member of the Security Forces. Carl loved the military. He had achieved his dreams, had a wife, an adored daughter and a long-sought position in Air Force security work. He loved being a father more than anything and he aspired to be a cop since high school. He was a great son and a great brother. He loved playing golf and volunteering at base functions and was especially a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Christine, his daughter, Caitlyn, his parents, Carl and Rose Ware and a sister, Angela. He died at age 24 of a non-combat-related cause at Camp Bucca, Iraq.
Air Force
15th Security Forces Squadron
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

Burial is at Manahath Cemetery in Glassboro, New Jersey

Born: December 8, 1983 in Utah
Died: June 7, 2007 in Balad, Iraq

Senior Airman William N. Newman of Kingston Springs, Tennessee graduated in 2002 from Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah. After graduation, William left the Mountain West for the east, opting to live with his father in Tennessee. It was there in 2003 that he decided to enter the Air Force Academy. He was a yell leader there and enjoyed break dancing. He was a quiet, obedient child with an infectious smile, who calmly weathered a turbulent family situation without expressing any bitterness. He had hoped to be back in the islands by the end of this month to celebrate his second wedding anniversary in August and take a promotion exam. His widow, Soyong, had bought new clothes for her husband, whom everyone called ‘Willie,’ and had planned a special trip to Mauifor the celebration. Willie was passionate about break dancing, sketching and reading and was considering a career in medicine. He died at age 23 south of Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. The EOD facility located on Hickam Air Force Base was dedicated and named in his honor one year after his death.
Air Force
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team
15th Civil Engineer Squadron
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

Burial is at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee – Sec JJ Row 13 Site 22

Born: June 27, 1979 in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Died: July 2, 2010 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland

Capt David A. Wisniewski of Moville, Iowa, is the son of Chet and Beverly Wisniewski. Academically minded and a gifted athlete, he graduated in 1998 from Woodbury Central High School. He then entered the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. In December of 2008 he completed training at the Advanced Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base. David was the pilot of a Air Force Black Hawk Helicopter and had four deployments to Iraq and three to Afghanistan. David had logged more than 1,500 flight hours, flown 289 combat hours and is credited with saving numerous lives, including several during his most recent deployment to Afghanistan, having rescued 240 soldiers. His Awards and Decorations include, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. David had been selected to become an instructor at the Advanced Weapons School when his most recent tour was up. He was serving his fifth tour of duty in Afghanistan and was piloting a Black Hawk helicopter on a rescue mission when it was shot down. He died at age 31 at Bethesda Naval Hospital of wounds sustained June 9 in a helicopter crash near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan. He leaves his parents, two brothers, Craig and Matthew, and his fiancée, Melissa Sandberg.
Air Force
66th Rescue Squadron
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia -

Born: August 4, 1983
Died: June 9, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. David C. Smith of Eight Mile, Alabama is the youngest of five children and a Satsuma High graduate. After graduation he waited a full year before making a decision to join the Air Force. He was known by several nicknames, either by his family, his friends, or his comrades, ‘Smitty,’ ‘Stuntman,’ ‘Cazzie’ or even simply ‘Dave’. He was very good with computers and electronics and could dismantle anything and put it back together again. He also had compassion for others and would stand up for the underdog, something that carried over to doing rescue missions in Afghanistan. While still in school he stood up for one of his peers who was being teased because he had learning disabilities. He loved stand up comedy and he himself had a dry sense of humor. Though he could be funny he also knew when it was time to be serious, and that was anytime he put on his uniform. He was intelligent, dependable, honest, humble, modest, tough and was respected by his peers. Dave wouldn’t want much fuss about him, he felt that he was just doing his job in the military. Others in his family also served. One sister is in the Coast Guard, and a brother is a Navy veteran. His maternal grandfather served with the Army’s Military Police in World War II. David was already making plans for his future, he had become engaged, was planing to continue his education, and would soon be buying a house, which he had been saving up for. He leaves his mother, Mildred Hardee, two brothers, Randall and Todd, two sisters, Tracey and Jamie and his fiancée, Meggan Eckersley, among others. He had previously served a tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to return home in just ten days. David died at age 26 near FOB Jackson, Afghanistan, in a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash. Also killed were Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael P. Flores, Air Force 1st Lt. Joel C. Gentz and Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin D. White. Capt. David A. Wisniewski died July 2 at National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., due to injuries suffered in the crash.
Air Force
66th Rescue Squadron
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

Burial is at Mobile Memorial Gardens in Tillmans Corner, Alabama

Born on October 16, 1985

Died on June 9, 2010 near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan

Senior Airman Benjamin D. White of Erwin, Tennessee, grew up in Johnson City and was a 2004 graduate of Science Hill High School. He went on to attend East Tennessee State University until enlisting in the Air Force in July of 2006. A man of Christ, Benjamin was serving as a medic. He faithfully stood by the Pararescueman’s oath “It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These Things I do So Others May Live.” Assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, his unit was responsible for casualty evacuation and he would parachute into danger zones to rescue the wounded. He asked his family and friends back home to pray for our troops, never letting on how dangerous a duty he had, he was always more concerned about others. Ben died in a helicopter crash. He was survived by his Fiancée, Ashley L. Stanley (pictured with Ben here); Father, Anthony Curtis White and wife, Jennifer Lynn; Mother, Brenda A. Shelton-Logozo and husband, Frank; Brothers, Mark Anthony, Zachary Luke and Anthony Evan White; Sister, Laura R. White; and Grandparents, Curtis Buford White, Jan Daye and Steven McCarty.

Benjamin was buried in Mountain Home National Cemetery in Tennessee.

Born on Oct. 21, 1978 in Austin, TX

Died on June 9, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Michael P. Flores of San Antonio, Texas, was a 12-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated from John Marshall High School in San Antonio in 1997 enlisted afterwards. Currently assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, he was serving his eighth deployment. He was one of four airmen who were killed June 9, 2010, near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan, when enemy forces downed their helicopter. Michael is survived by his wife, also serving in the Air Force; their 2 children; his parents and 2 siblings. During his service he earned several medals and awards, including 12 Air Medals and the Distinquished Flying Cross. Michael was promoted posthumously from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant.

Burial: Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery

Born: July 9, 1984 in Rochester, New York
Died: June 9, 2010 in Afghanistan

1st Lt. Joel C. Gentz of Grass Lake, Michigan attended Chelsea High School where he ran cross country and was percussionist in the band. He also participated in swimming, tennis and was a member of the National Honor Society. In 2007 he graduated from Purdue University with degrees in aerospace and aeronautical engineering. While there, he particiated in the Air Force ROTC. He was chosen to be part of Iron Key, a senior honorary organization of students who work anonymously each year on a service project that will benefit Purdue. Joel was the first Purdue ROTC graduate to become a Combat Rescue Officer. He was dedicated to the Air Force and accepted all challenges with eagerness. Joel approached everything his did with a high level of commitment. It was because of his dedication, that he was a true leader. Surrounded by many friends, Joel stood out as a decent person with good character. Joel received his black belt in Tae-kwon-do. In addition to his already active lifestyle he participated in marathons and triathlons, and enjoyed hiking with his family and friends. He met his wife, Kathryn while attending college and the couple were married June 7, 2008. Prior to relocating to Nellis Air Force base, they lived in Albuquerque. Joel received a pilot slot, but turned it down because of his desire to become a Combat Rescue Officer to save his fellow service men. He began the pararescue pipeline training, a grueling 2 year training including HALO, underwater training, medical training, land navigation, and SERE. He was Awarded the Warrior Spirit award all four years as voted by his fellow Air Force ROTC. He was a member of Arnold Air Society and wing commander of his detachment. Joel was a member of the Iron Key and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was currently serving his first deployment in Afghanistan with more than 50 hours of combat time. He died at age 25 near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan, in a helicopter crash. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Michael Flores of Texas, Staff Sgt. David Smith of Ala., and Senior Airman Benjamin White.
Air Force
58th Rescue Squadron
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

Burial is at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan

Birth: September 11, 1985 – Little Rock, Arkansas
Died: January 3, 2010 – near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan

Burial: Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, Illinois