Hill mourns the loss of 3 Airmen

  • Published
  • By Mitch Shaw
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNEWS) --  Hill AFB leaders reflected on the loss of three Airmen who were killed in Iraq by a car bomb.

Tech. Sgt. Timothy R. Weiner, 35, of Tamarack, Fla., Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, of New Castle, Del., and Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, of Galesburg, Ill., died in the Jan. 7 explosion near Baghdad.

"The loss of these Airmen to Team Hill is a true tragedy to our organization, to our base and to the Air Force," said Col. Scott Chambers, 75th Air Base Wing commander. "In the Air Force, we consider ourselves one big family. We care for our colleagues and our co-workers exactly like we do our family. Our Air Force family is grieving right now for the loss of these great patriots."

The tragedy marks the first casualties from Hill since the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom missions began.

According to Air Force officials, the three Airmen were trying to defuse the explosive device when it detonated. One other Airman not assigned to Hill was also injured in the explosion.

The three Airmen were members of the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. The flight is responsible for defusing military and improvised explosives and working with chemical and biological weapons.

"Our EOD Airmen have one of the most critical, demanding and most dangerous missions in the Air Force," Colonel Chambers said. "It takes nerves of steel, practice, technical skills, and an unwavering sense of duty to serve in such a challenging environment."

The Hill AFB community worked with heavy hearts as news of the three Airmen quickly spread throughout the base.

"Speaking for everyone at Team Hill, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our three Airmen" said Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Sullivan, Ogden Air Logistics Center commander.

"Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the families, friends, and co-workers of these brave Air Force heroes during this difficult period."

Gen. Bruce Carlson, commander of Air Force Material Command, said the three fallen Airmen will not be forgotten and praised them for their service.

"Tech Sergeant Weiner, Senior Airman Loncki and Senior Airman Miller gave their lives in the pursuit of the safety and security of this nation and the freedom and democracy of the Iraqi people," said General Carlson. "Their great sacrifice will not be forgotten. The men and women of Air Force Materiel Command will hold them and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. We also pray for the recovery of the wounded Airman who was with them."

A memorial service honoring the lives of Sergeant Weiner, Airman Miller and Airman Loncki will be held at at 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at Hill AFB.

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