Deployed Ellsworth Airman dies in Afghanistan Published Sept. 14, 2009 By Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky of Melrose, Fla., died Sept. 12 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from enemy fire while engaged in combat operations. He was assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron here. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Berky's family during this difficult time," said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "This is a grim reminder of the important work hundreds of our Airmen are doing overseas today. With the passing of another peaceful Sept. 11 here in the U.S., we are reminded that the service of Airmen like Bryan Berky is all that protects us from those in the world that would gladly do us harm." Sergeant Berky is the second Ellsworth Airman who has lost his life in operations in Afghanistan.