Luke officials release statement on fallen Airman

  • Published
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  A Luke Air Force Base Airman died July 9 after succumbing to wounds sustained as a result of small-arms fire while deployed with the 755th Air Expeditionary Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom outside of Camp Stone, a forward operating base near Herat, Afghanistan.

Master Sgt. Randy J. Gillespie, 44, of Coaldale, Colo., was supporting the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a collection of Army National Guard units that are training the new Afghan national army. 

He was wounded during a small-arms encounter outside of Camp Stone, approximately 300 miles west of Bagram Air Base. Sergeant Gillespie was assigned to the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Luke AFB.

"The 56th Fighter Wing extends its heartfelt condolences to the Gillespie family for such a tragic loss," said Brig. Gen. Noel T. Jones, the 56th FW commander. "Today's news and the deep sense of sorrow we feel at Luke should serve as a reminder to Americans about the sacrifice borne by the men and women of our armed forces. We have devoted a strong and compassionate team of friends and co-workers from our base to support the family in this difficult time. The Luke family is close-knit and this news greatly affects us all. 

"Master Sgt. Gillespie will be remembered here as a beloved husband and father, patriot, warrior, friend and a proud American who volunteered to serve in his nation's Air Force," the general said. "He served with courage and commitment and believed in duty, honor and country. " 

Fighter Country Partnership, a community support organization for the men and women of Luke AFB, is establishing a sub account for the Gillespie family under the Arizona Servicemen Memorial Fund, a 501C3 nonprofit foundation (tax deductible donation). For more FCP information, contact Steve Yamamori at (623) 882-2191, 500 North Estrella Parkway, Suite B2, PMB #479, Goodyear, Ariz. 85338 or e-mail: syamamori@fightercountry.org. 

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