TAPS
RIP
Capt Thomas J Gramith, USAF
Capt Mark R McDowell, USAF
Posted on 07/20/2009 4:07:17 PM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2009 – The commander of U.S. Air Forces Central expressed condolences to the families and friends of two Air Force officers killed early July 18 in the crash of an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that was flying in support of coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones … and to the airmen and the joint and coalition team members who called them friends and will miss their fellow warriors," Air Force Lt. Gen. Gary North said.
Air Force Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn., and Air Force Capt. Mark R. McDowell, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colo., were killed in the crash. They were assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
The airmen’s bodies will be returned to their families through a dignified transfer from Afghanistan to the United States, officials said.
The crash was not due to hostile fire, officials said, and a board of officers will investigate the crash.
Meanwhile, an Army helicopter made an emergency landing in Afghanistan’s Kunar province yesterday.
The aircraft landed near a military base, and the site was immediately secured upon landing, officials said. No enemy activity was reported in the area at the time. Personnel on the aircraft were treated on site and evacuated to the nearest medical facility for further treatment.
The incident is under investigation.
(Compiled from U.S. Air Forces Central and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
God bless these two fine young men and give comfort to their families.
RIP
First I heard about this.
Why the mention of an emergency landing by a helicopter at the same time and why no punchout by the F15 pilot and his rear?
Thanks for posting this article SandRat. A friend of mine who knew Capt. Thomas J. Gramith personally posted the story on Facebook this morning. America has lost two more heroes. In addition, Capt. Gramith leaves behind 7-month old twin daughters. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Capt. Gramith and Capt. McDowell. RIP.
In honor of Capt. Gramith and Capt. McDowell: An awesome video tribute to the United States Air Force.
http://www.media-magik.com/usaf.html
Sorry, I don’t know how to do the link thing yet.
early reports indicate the F-15 was not lost due to enemy fire. (VoA)
Controlled flight into terrain?
While at Nellis AFB, many, mnay A/C were lost in Red/Green FLag exercises due to pilot error compounding a minor equipment failure.
RIP
Capt Thomas J Gramith, USAF
Capt Mark R McDowell, USAF
BTTT
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