Hill memorializes bombing victims

  • Published
  • By Mitch Shaw
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNEWS) --  Eyes swelled, tears fell and uniforms were moistened, yet Airmen who gathered here Jan. 12 were comforted as they paid tribute, expressed high regard, and refused to allow anything to dampen the memory of their comrades killed earlier this week in Iraq.

Tech. Sgt. Timothy Weiner, Senior Airman Daniel Miller and Senior Airman Elizabeth Loncki, members of the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, lost their lives Jan. 7 when a car bomb exploded as they were performing duties in the Baghdad area while deployed in support of the war on terrorism.

According to Air Force officials, the three Airmen were trying to diffuse an explosive device when it detonated. One other Airman not assigned to Hill was also injured in the explosion. The EOD flight is responsible for diffusing military and improvised explosives and working with chemical and biological weapons.

"Tim, Liz, and Dan were among an elite group of nearly 1,200 active duty EOD Airmen that the rest of the world looks too," said Lt. Col. Craig Biondo, the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Simply put, they were the best in the world."

Hill Chaplain (Capt.) Alex Jack, who presided over the memorial services, said he learned very quickly how tight-knit the EOD flight really is.

"I want to tell you, I've gotten just a little taste of what it means to be part of the EOD family," Chaplain Jack said. "And it is an honor for me to be able to stand here and share some thoughts on these Airmen today."

Following Chaplain Jack's remarks, the solemn audience witnessed an especially poignant moment as final role call of EOD Flight members was read and silence filled the hangar as the three missing Airmen's names were read.

"These Airmen were killed in action serving for freedom's cause in our nation's war against terrorism," said Maj. Gen. Kevin Sullivan, the Ogden Air Logistics Center commander, shortly after the ceremony. "Their commitment to the unit's mission and the Air Force is unparalleled."

Local funerals will be held according to each family's wishes in the coming weeks. Hill will have representatives at each of these services. The Airmen were awarded several posthumous medals and awards including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

The Airmen's names will also be added to the Air Force tablet at the EOD Memorial, located at Eglin AFB, Fla. The tablet is inscribed with the names of all those who have died on active duty as a result of an EOD mission since World War II.

Col. Scott Chambers, the 75th Air Base Wing commander, said the Airmen will not only be remembered by the EOD Memorial in Florida, but also in the hearts of all members of Team Hill.

"Each member of Team Hill extends our prayers and condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of these brave Air Force heroes," Colonel Chambers said. "They will not be forgotten."

Memorial accounts have been established at Wells Fargo bank. To make donations, stop by any Wells Fargo location. Memorial accounts are setup under Tech. Sgt. Timothy Wiener, Senior Airman Daniel Miller and Senior Airman Elizabeth Loncki. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Robert Hood or Airman 1st Class Michael Brettelle at (801) 777-5501.

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