Joint Base Balad Airmen remember fallen wingman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Don Branum
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) --  A memorial service was held here Oct. 27 for a 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron NCO who was found dead in his housing unit Oct. 23 at Joint Base Balad.

Airmen held a town hall meeting here that started with a roll call. 

A senior NCO with the 332nd EMXS called out names of Airmen in the phase inspection section, and each Airman stood and answered "present." All but one.

"Sergeant Hause," the master sergeant called.

No one answered. 

"Staff Sergeant Hause." 

Again, silence. 

"Staff Sergeant Brian Hause."

Airmen at the town hall remained quiet, for Sergeant Hause was no longer among his wingmen.

Sergeant Hause, an assistant NCO in charge in the 332nd EMXS phase dock, died from noncombat related medical causes. A co-worker found him unresponsive on the floor of his room at about 9 p.m. that day. Medics transported him to the Air Force Theater Hospital here, but could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Chief Master Sgt. Edward Montgomery, the 332nd EMXS chief enlisted manager, read from Psalms 23. Afterward, Chaplain (Capt.) Douglas Collins delivered a memorial meditation.

"During times like this, even though my shepherd says I shall not want, I find myself wanting," Chaplain Collins said. "I find myself wanting the friendship of the one who's gone."

Sergeant Hause, 29, was a native of Stoystown, Pa., and attended Johnstown Christian School in nearby Hollsopple, Pa. He joined the Air Force in December 2001 and deployed to Joint Base Balad from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., with his unit in early October. 

His death left his 332nd EMXS wingmen puzzled and mourning.

"We're all hurt. I could see it the other night, whether it be in the hospital or speaking to many of you," Chaplain Collins said. "There's hurt, and it's OK to hurt. It's OK to cry. It's OK to remember those things that make us uncomfortable."

Sergeant Hause was dedicated to his job, said Maj. Brian Godfrey, the 332nd EMXS commander. He was a good trainer, always willing to teach junior Airmen more about aircraft maintenance.

"A day or two after Brian's arrival, I went to the phase section where he worked and met him and his co-workers," Major Godfrey said. "It was clear to me after spending just a few moments with them that they were a tightly knit group.

"That fact became clearer Friday afternoon when we sent Brian home," the major said. "As the aircrew prepared to depart, I noticed that the only people remaining were those who were closest to Brian, leaning on one another for support. They wanted to stay with him as long as they could."

Sergeant Hause also had a way with people and built camaraderie wherever he went.

"He had an uncanny ability to make the whole section smile," said Staff Sgt. Amos Tolson, Sergeant Hause's supervisor. "No matter how dirty, tired, hungry or sweaty we were, he knew what to say. Every day, he was always the first one there and the last to leave. On the days when we were rebuilding jets, and it looked like that jet would never fly again, Hause would make it happen."

Sergeant Hause made a mark on the people he met. One of his wingmen, Senior Airman Jason Watkins, remembered a fun moment the two had shared while stationed in Alaska.

"He convinced me that we should have a welcome party," Airman Watkins said. "So we gathered all our flightline personnel and had a get-together. Through the night, we had some good times."

Sergeant Hause mentored Airman Watkins, helped him move to Shaw AFB and taught him how to ride a motorcycle safely. But the NCO's real passion was his children, Alexis and Cody, Airman Watkins said.

"He once told me that when he played electric guitar, his son would break out his little electric guitar, and they would just jam out for hours," Airman Watkins said.

"He'd brag about his children and share stories about them back at work," Major Godfrey said. "He was caring, compassionate, very well-liked and respected. He will be dearly missed by his friends, his co-workers and his entire squadron."

Chaplain Collins encouraged those who remembered Sergeant Hause to share with others the happiness that he shared with them.

"Someone asked me, 'How do I remember him?'" Chaplain Collins said. "The answer is that you get up, you do your mission, you go home, and you remember the impact he made on your life -- you hold those memories tight. And if you never met him, and you're here tonight out of respect, then go and do something for others to help them remember that we all go through this life together."

As the service concluded, Major Godfrey presented Sergeant Hause with a posthumous Air Force Commendation Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal.

"I'll always remember him, and I hope you will find somebody who will touch your life as he touched mine," said Airman Watkins, fighting tears.

"I appreciate the time I got to spend with Hause," Sergeant Tolson said. "It saddens me that he won't be going home with us, and I thank God for his friendship." 

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