Maj. Jeff Ausborn was killed April 27, 2011, when a shooter opened fire at Kabul International Airport killing eight U.S. service members and one contractor. Major Ausborn an instructor pilot assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron. (Courtesy photo)
5/2/2011 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- An Airman assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing here was killed April 27 in Kabul, Afghanistan, when a shooter opened fire at the Kabul International Airport, killing eight U.S. service members and one contractor.
Maj. Jeff Ausborn, a 99th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, was deployed to the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, where he served as a C-27 Spartan instructor pilot.
The 19-year Air Force veteran and native of Gadsden, Ala., died of wounds sustained in the shooting. He was 41.
"The loss of Jeff is devastating not only to the squadron, but the wing as well. He has served our wing and his nation honorably," said Col. Richard Murphy, the 12th FTW commander. "Our hearts and prayers go out to Jeff's family and to the families of those affected by this terrible act."
According to his wife, Suzanna Ausborn, Major Ausborn volunteered in 2010 to deploy to Afghanistan to teach new Afghan pilots to fly the C-27. He was in a meeting when the attack occurred.
"He was the most compassionate, kind, patient and understanding husband, father, pilot and supervisor," she said. "He was a great communicator; we talked nearly every day. That's how I knew something was wrong; I didn't hear from him. I miss him so much."
Major Ausborn is survived by his wife and five children.
Comments
5/3/2011 8:33:58 PM ET Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Major Ausborn. We are thankfull for everything our troops are doing. Thanks for paying the ultimate price for our freedom. An ex German Air Force, Soldier, and Proud U.S. citizen
Mario, glendale AZ
5/3/2011 3:18:38 PM ET I had the honor to attend Majors Ausborn's memorial here at Randolph this morning. It was very humbling. Though I did not know him personally I saw that his family and friends loved him so much. My heart and prayers are with his loved ones during this time.
kristen, Randolph AFB Tx
5/2/2011 11:02:23 PM ET Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
