Pararescueman lose their lives in helo accident
Two Air Force Reserve pararescuemen were among the seven airmen killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq on 15 March.
Two Air Force Reserve pararescuemen, Master Sergeant William Posch and Staff Sgt Carl Enis, were among the seven airmen killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq on 15 March. Both men were assigned to the 308th Rescue Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. The squadron of elite Guardian Angel Airmen serve as highly trained rescue specialists, on and off the battlefield, providing life-saving trauma care and search and rescue as part of the 920th Rescue Wing – one of the most deployed units in the Air Force Reserve.
Also lost are: Captain Mark K. Weber, 29, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Captain Andreas B. O'Keeffe, 37, of Center Moriches, New York; Captain Christopher T. Zanetis, 37, of Long Island City, New York; Master Sergeant Christopher J. Raguso, 39, of Commack, New York; Staff Sergeant Dashan J. Briggs, 30, of Port Jefferson Station, New York. All four were assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing at the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, New York.
“It is with a heavy heart that I send you this message,” said Col. Kurt Matthews, 920th Rescue Wing commander, announcing the loss to his wing of approximately 2,000 Reserve Citizen Airmen. “I am asking that the 920th Rescue Wing take an operational pause in honour of our lost brothers.”
The men died while traveling in an HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter when it crashed. All personnel aboard were killed in the crash. The crash did not appear to be a result of enemy activity; however, the cause of the accident is under investigation.
An accompanying US helicopter immediately reported the crash and a quick reaction force comprised of Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition members secured the scene.
Photo by Maj. Cathleen Snow