Two D-M Airmen killed in action in Afghanistan

Two Airmen from Davis-Monthan were killed yesterday when their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in southeastern Afghanistan.

The Airmen were:

Tech. Sgt. Michael P. Flores, 32, of San Antonio, Texas, a pararescueman assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron here at D-M.

Senior Airman Benjamin D. White, 24, of Erwin, Tenn., also a pararescueman assigned to the 48th RQS.

The death of these Airmen marks the first loss Davis-Monthan has suffered to either operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Sergeant Flores is survived by his wife, Tech. Sgt. Marisa Flores, also assigned here, his three-year-old daughter Eliana, and his one-year-old son Michael. Sergeant Flores entered the Air Force June 10, 1998, and was serving on his eighth deployment. He had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and 12 Air Medals.

Airman White is survived by his father, Anthony White, mother, Brenda Logozo, and step-father, Frank Logozo. Airman White entered the Air Force July 25, 2006, and was serving on his first deployment.

"This is a very sad time for every member of the D-M team," said Brig. Gen. Paul T. Johnson, D-M's installation commander. "But right now, we are focusing specifically on supporting the families of Senior Airman White and Tech. Sgt. Flores. I can say with certainty we will do our absolute best to help them in every way we can. Beyond that, I can only stress the irrefutable fact that these two men gave their own lives in the brave and selfless effort to save the lives of others. Their sacrifice will be solemnly remembered by all of us, and their example will forever underscore the rescue creed 'That Others May Live.'"

The aircraft and Airmen were deployed from D-M in support of Operation Enduring Freedom were responsible for casualty evacuation.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation. For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs at 011-974-458-9855 and connect to 436-4381/4014, or e-mail mu_afforpa@auab.afcent.af.mil.