Airman dies in Iraq

  • Published
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFPN) --  An Airman assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and attached to the U.S. Army’s 494th Truck Company at Balad Air Base, Iraq, was killed in action July 11.

Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters, 25, died when the convoy he was riding in encountered an improvised explosive device.

Sergeant Peters served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of equipment support for the 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron here before his deployment to Iraq.

“We lost a valuable member of the Little Rock Air Force Base team and our Air Force family,” said Col. Joseph Reheiser, 314th Airlift Wing commander. “Sergeant Peters will be missed, but his dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Right now, our efforts are focused on providing his family and friends the support and assistance they need,” he said.

Sergeant Peters entered the Air Force on Jan. 29, 1997. After completing basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, he attended technical training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., graduating as a vehicle operator journeyman. Before arriving here on Nov. 28, 2000, Sergeant Peters had assignments at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

“Sergeant Peters was a devoted patriot and Airman,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hicks, 314th LRS commander.

“Since his arrival at Little Rock Air Force Base, he has been a valued member of our unit and a close friend to many,” Colonel Hicks said. “One thing you could count on was his service to our country and others always came ahead of his own needs and desires. His loss has touched us deeply, and we will miss him.”

Sergeant Peters departed for Southwest Asia in February for a 179-day tour, his fourth deployment since arriving here.

His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and valor device, and an Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)