Airman dies in Afghanistan Published May 4, 2010 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Department of Defense officials announced May 3 the death of an Airman deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Airman 1st Class Austin H. Gates Benson, 19, of Hellertown, Pa., died May 3 of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident near Khyber, Afghanistan. Airman Benson was assigned to the 54th Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.