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Balad Fallen Airman Memorial adds three warriors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Travis Edwards
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq --  The names of three Airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice were added to the Fallen Airman Memorial here Nov. 4.

Special Agents Thomas Crowell, David Wieger and Nathan Schuldheiss died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device Nov. 1.

"All three were outstanding role models, exceptional warriors and great American patriots who died in a mission directly protecting the Tuskegee Airmen and the Soldiers and civilians stationed at Balad AB and LSA Anaconda," said Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "All three of them are heroes."

Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, Air Force OSI commander, joined General Field in the unveiling of the memorial's additions.

"I am very proud of them," General Simmons said. "I am very humbled to have served with them and will continue to honor them by continuing the fight on the war on terror."

He also promised mourners those responsible would be found and brought to justice.

Including the three special agents, the memorial bears the names of 43 Airmen who died while serving their nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.