Service members, families remember Khobar Towers

  • Published
  • By Samuel King
  • Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  Amid gusting winds and threatening rain clouds of Tropical Storm Debby, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and family members gathered to remember 19 warriors and 12 33rd Fighter Wing Nomads on the 16th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing June 25.

"I'm humbled to be a part of this ceremony," said Col. Andrew Toth, 33rd FW commander. "It reminds us, as a nation, that America is in a time of war and has always known conflict. The 33rd will continue the same patriotism. After 16 years, the eternal flame of remembrance still burns brightly. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten."

A terrorist attack at Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, June 25, 1996, resulted in 400 casualties among civilian and military personnel. Members of the 33rd FW's enlisted force were caught in harm's way that day.

At the ceremony, guest speakers and family members of the fallen Nomads described the common values held by the service members as a bond that brings everyone together.

"Many of you in the audience may have known one or more of these proud warriors," Toth said. "Their sacrifice and your own has not been in vain. The reason we as Americans, are free and continue to be free is because of what they have done."

Guest speaker, Troy Lowe was the wing's command chief when the tragedy occurred. He spoke about the chaos that surrounded the wing in the aftermath with returning aircraft, grieving friends and family and a looming presidential visit.

"The wing was running on adrenaline," he remembered. "We knew we couldn't change what happened to these Airmen on that June day, but the least we could do is pay our respects and remember them... and never let their sacrifice be forgotten."

Then, the retired chief held up a small piece of stone from the Khobar Towers building and placed it on the podium. He said he keeps it on his desk as a constant reminder.

After the chief spoke, the crowd observed a moment of silence by the eternal flame, as the base honor guard rendered a 21-gun salute and Taps.

The 12 Nomads were members of the 58th Fighter Squadron, 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Logistics Group, 33d Maintenance Squadron and 33d Operations Support Squadron. They represented a cross-section of the wing as crew chiefs, expeditors, weapons loaders, mechanics, production superintendents, program managers, and technicians. The unit was deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch when a truck bomb exploded near the dormitory housing 33rd FW members. The memorial here honoring the Nomads' memory was dedicated a year after the tragedy.

"Let us now praise theses quiet American heroes, who gave their lives in service to America. May they rest in peace and may their names live on forever," said former President William J. Clinton, days after the attack. "Our Nomads have ceased their wandering. They have come home."

The Nomads who gave their lives June 25, 1996:
Tech. Sgt Daniel Cafourek
Sgt. Millard Dee Campbell
Senior Airman Earl Cartrette, Jr.
Tech. Sgt. Patrick Fennig
Master Sgt. Kendall Kitson, Jr.
Airman 1st Class Brent Marthaler
Airman 1st Class Brian McVeigh
Airman 1st Class Peter Morgera
Tech. Sgt. Thanh Gus Nguyen
Airman 1st Class Joseph Rimkus
Senior Airman Jeremy Taylor
Airman 1st Class Joshua Woody