Balad honors fallen EOD Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olufemi A. Owolabi
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  Senior Airman William N. Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician who was killed June 7 south of Balad Air Base, Iraq, was honored in a memorial service here June 10.

Airman Newman, 23, assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces south of Balad.

The memorial began with an invocation from Chaplain (Capt.) Ted Nicholson, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain, and remarks from EOD officials. The ceremony also included EOD detonations, the presentation of flags, playing of Taps by the honor guard, and final honors from wing leaders, EOD Airmen and co-workers.

Capt. Jay Ferguson, 332nd ECES EOD commander, began his remarks with one of Airman Newman's favorite quotes, "If anyone can do it, it's me."

Captain Ferguson said that was exactly what Airman Newman did.

"All he wanted to do was to make a difference," Captain Ferguson said. "Not everyone could have operated at the level he did. His skills were impeccable; he pressed through every mission with coolness, confidence and finesse and ultimately saved countless lives of his team members, Soldiers, local men, women and children."

Co-workers described Airman Newman as one of the bravest, most proficient, courageous and dedicated Airmen they have ever known.

"Airman Newman was one of the best who believed in himself," said Senior Master Sgt. Scott McCullough, 332nd ECES EOD superintendent. "He always wanted to make a difference. He is a big loss to us."

Airman Newman deployed to Balad in December 2006 from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Those who worked with him at Balad said he was a team player who would do whatever was necessary to get the mission done and keep his team safe.

"He was good at what he did and a man of dedication," Captain Ferguson said. "He lived a life for others to follow. Without a doubt, he was a brave man. Rest well my friend. You will be missed and never forgotten; from this day forward, you will be in our hearts and minds. Each 'Fire in the Hole' we do and each IED we clear will be in your name until peace is brought upon us all."

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