A member of the Army's Old Guard (mounted) salutes as Air Force official pall bearers place the remains of a hero on the horse-drawn caisson at Arlington National Cemetery.
On December 21, 2015 two Airmen became the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Air Force Security Forces Airmen to give the last full measure of devotion to our country while Serving in Combat in Afghanistan or Iraq.
We will always remember them and their families! these heroes are listed below in the order that they gave their lives in Afghanistan or Iraq. With the Exception of sergeant Todd lobraico, Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm, and Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa who as killed in action in Afghanistan, all of the Airmen listed below were killed in iraq. Todd was the first Security Forces Air National Guard Member to be kIA in combat. Tech Sgt Lemm and Sgt Bonacasa were also from the Same unit as Todd - the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air Guard Base near Newburgh New York. We are providing photos of these airmen as the photos are made available to us.
Airman First Class Elizabeth Nicole Jacobson
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See our Elizabeth Jacobson page for information about Airman First Class Jacobson who was the first Air Force woman to be killed in action in Iraq.
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Technical Sergeant Jason Lynn Norton
Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton, 32, was killed on Jan. 22, 2006 when his armored Humvee hit a roadside bomb near Taji, 18 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq. TSgt Norton, a native of Miami, Okla., served as a patrol and K-9 officer with the 3rd Security Forces Squadron based at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Also SSgt. Brian S. McElroy, 28, who was with him died from his injuries and a third person was flown to Germany for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries which included burns, scrapes and a head wound. Sergeant Norton was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart posthumously. TSgt Norton leaves behind a wife, Christina, a son Dalton, and a daughter, Rebecca.
Eagle Chapter visits Jason's grave at Christmas for wreath laying purposes and we visit his grave at Memorial Day to place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave. Sergeant Norton is buried in a group burial plot at Arlington National Cemetery along with Staff Sergeant Brian McElroy. He was interred at Arlington on June 5, 2006, in section 60, grave stone number 8339.
For more information click here.
Eagle Chapter visits Jason's grave at Christmas for wreath laying purposes and we visit his grave at Memorial Day to place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave. Sergeant Norton is buried in a group burial plot at Arlington National Cemetery along with Staff Sergeant Brian McElroy. He was interred at Arlington on June 5, 2006, in section 60, grave stone number 8339.
For more information click here.
Staff Sergeant Brian SCott McElroy
Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, 28, was killed on Jan. 22, 2006, when a roadside bomb exploded by his armored Humvee near Taji, 18 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq. McElroy, a native of San Antonio, Texas, worked as Information Security with the 3rd Security Forces Squadron based at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Also, Technical Sergeant Jason Norton 32, who was with him died from his injuries and a third person was flown to Germany for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries which included burns, scrapes and a head wound. TSgt Norton and SSgt McElroy share the same coffin and headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.
Eagle Chapter visits Brian's grave at Christmas for wreath laying purposes and we visit his grave at Memorial Day to place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave. Sergeant McElroy is buried in a group burial plot at Arlington National Cemetery along with Technical Sergeant Jason Norton. He was interred at Arlington on June 5, 2006, in section 60, grave stone number 8339.
Eagle Chapter visits Brian's grave at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day and at Christmas. For Memorial Day, we place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave alongside the US Flag that the Army places on all graves. We lay a Christmas wreath during our Christmas visit.
For more information click here.
Sign Brian's Guest Book.
Eagle Chapter visits Brian's grave at Christmas for wreath laying purposes and we visit his grave at Memorial Day to place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave. Sergeant McElroy is buried in a group burial plot at Arlington National Cemetery along with Technical Sergeant Jason Norton. He was interred at Arlington on June 5, 2006, in section 60, grave stone number 8339.
Eagle Chapter visits Brian's grave at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day and at Christmas. For Memorial Day, we place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave alongside the US Flag that the Army places on all graves. We lay a Christmas wreath during our Christmas visit.
For more information click here.
Sign Brian's Guest Book.
Images from the Funeral Service held for Norton and McElroy in Iraq
In the images below, Technical Sergeant Norton's military working dog, who was not seriously injured, attends the funeral service with the deployed Airmen.
Airman First Class Leebernard Emmanual Chavis
Airman First Class (A1C) Leebernard E. Chavis, assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14, 2006 in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq.
Airman Chavis, age 21, was performing duties as a member of a U.S. military police training team supporting Iraqi police at the time of his death.
Airman Chavis is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Each Memorial Day, Eagle Chapter places a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave as a continuing way for us to remember his contributions and to honor his lost to his family. Eagle Chapter also visits his grave during Christmas to place a wreath on his grave or to ensure that one has been placed on his grave.
Eagle Chapter visits Lee's grave at Christmas for wreath laying purposes and we visit his grave at Memorial Day to place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave. He was interred at Arlington on October 24, 2006, in section 60, grave number 8427.
Airman Chavis, age 21, was performing duties as a member of a U.S. military police training team supporting Iraqi police at the time of his death.
Airman Chavis is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Each Memorial Day, Eagle Chapter places a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave as a continuing way for us to remember his contributions and to honor his lost to his family. Eagle Chapter also visits his grave during Christmas to place a wreath on his grave or to ensure that one has been placed on his grave.
Eagle Chapter visits Lee's grave at Christmas for wreath laying purposes and we visit his grave at Memorial Day to place a Defensor Fortis flag on his grave. He was interred at Arlington on October 24, 2006, in section 60, grave number 8427.
Below, runners from Hanscom Air Force Base Mass pose with the parents, Michael and Jackie Chavis of fallen Security Forces Airman, Airman First Class LeeBernard Chavis. After completion of the Run to Remember race in Boston May 25, 2008. Hanscom personnel took part in both the 5K race and half marathon in memory of fallen Security Forces Airmen. Hover mouse over image to pause or play the slideshow below.
Staff Sergeant John T. Self
Staff Sgt. John T. Self lost his life May 14, 2007 while on his 79th combat patrol as a fire team leader assisting Iraqis taking back the streets of Baghdad.
An improvised explosive device erupted through his vehicle killing him and wounding three fellow Airmen on the patrol. The Airmen were part of a police transition team belonging to Det. 3 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
Air Force News
May 21, 2007 - Balad Airman Say Good by to Fallen Airman
An improvised explosive device erupted through his vehicle killing him and wounding three fellow Airmen on the patrol. The Airmen were part of a police transition team belonging to Det. 3 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
Air Force News
May 21, 2007 - Balad Airman Say Good by to Fallen Airman
Airman first class Jason D. Nathan
Airman First Class (A1C) Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, GA., died in Iraq June 23, 2007 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle while on patrol.
While deployed, Airman Nathan was assigned to Detachment 6 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Speicher, Iraq. At the time of the incident, Airman Nathan was performing gunner duties with his squad in support of an Iraq Police Transition Team mission when an IED detonated and struck his vehicle.
After a brief assignment to Fort Lewis, Wash., for training, Nathan was attached to the 732nd Expeditionary Group, 332nd Air Expedition in Iraq in February. His mission was to train and protect Iraqi police officers in Tikrit.
He is survived by his mother Phyllis Nathan and father Joe Anthony Nathan Sr. Before Iraq, Airman Nathan was stationed at RAF Lakenheath base in England, where they named him SF Airman of the year, according to his mother Phyllis Nathan.
Nathan comes from a family that has served both in the Air Force and the Army. His father retired after 22 years in the Army.
For more information, click here.
While deployed, Airman Nathan was assigned to Detachment 6 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Speicher, Iraq. At the time of the incident, Airman Nathan was performing gunner duties with his squad in support of an Iraq Police Transition Team mission when an IED detonated and struck his vehicle.
After a brief assignment to Fort Lewis, Wash., for training, Nathan was attached to the 732nd Expeditionary Group, 332nd Air Expedition in Iraq in February. His mission was to train and protect Iraqi police officers in Tikrit.
He is survived by his mother Phyllis Nathan and father Joe Anthony Nathan Sr. Before Iraq, Airman Nathan was stationed at RAF Lakenheath base in England, where they named him SF Airman of the year, according to his mother Phyllis Nathan.
Nathan comes from a family that has served both in the Air Force and the Army. His father retired after 22 years in the Army.
For more information, click here.
Staff Sergeant Travis L. Griffin
28-year old Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Travis L. Griffin was killed in action on Thursday Apr 3d 2008 when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near his vehicle while on patrol in Baghdad. SSgt Griffin was temporarily assigned to the Multinational Force in Iraq from the 377th Security Forces Squadron, Kirtland Air Force Base New Mexico.
Griffin was born Jan. 21, 1980, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, where Christine and Donald Herwick III (SSgt Griffin's Mother and Stepfather) were both on active duty.
Griffin served four tours in Iraq and was part of a detachment from the Air Force's 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron filling jobs that have typically been done by the Army in Iraq.
While most airmen serving in Iraq rarely venture outside the base, members of Detachment 3 go almost every day as part of the service.
He is survived by his wife, Krista, and son, Elijah.
Kirtland Air Force Base renames street in honor of Griffin.
For more information, click here.
Griffin was born Jan. 21, 1980, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, where Christine and Donald Herwick III (SSgt Griffin's Mother and Stepfather) were both on active duty.
Griffin served four tours in Iraq and was part of a detachment from the Air Force's 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron filling jobs that have typically been done by the Army in Iraq.
While most airmen serving in Iraq rarely venture outside the base, members of Detachment 3 go almost every day as part of the service.
He is survived by his wife, Krista, and son, Elijah.
Kirtland Air Force Base renames street in honor of Griffin.
For more information, click here.
First Lieutenant Joseph D. Helton
1Lt Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe, GA, died September 8, 2009 while on patrol near Baghdad, Iraq, when his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device.
1Lt Helton was deployed from the 6th Security Forces Squadron from MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, and performing as Flight Commander for Detachment 2 of the 732nd ESFS. 1Lt Helton was originally assigned to Detachment 3, but when his normal tour of duty ended, he volunteered to assist Det 2 with the Police Transition Mission.
1Lt Helton was a 2007 Honor Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.
For more information, click here.
1Lt Helton was deployed from the 6th Security Forces Squadron from MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, and performing as Flight Commander for Detachment 2 of the 732nd ESFS. 1Lt Helton was originally assigned to Detachment 3, but when his normal tour of duty ended, he volunteered to assist Det 2 with the Police Transition Mission.
1Lt Helton was a 2007 Honor Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.
For more information, click here.
Senior Airman Nicholas Jerome Alden
Airman Alden was murdered March 02, 2011 while sitting, unarmed, on a bus at Frankfurt International Air Terminal Germany. Airman Alden, 25, of Williamston, S.C., assigned to 48th Security Forces Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom; was shot while enroute to Afghanistan.
A gunman, yelling, "God is great." in Arabic boarded the bus and shot SRA Alden and other Airmen on the bus. The gunman has confessed to the shooting. The gunman killed two Airmen and wounded two others before he was captured.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife "Trish" and son, Matthew. Airman Alden is buried at M. J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC - Section H Row 7 Site 317.
For more information, click here.
While all Security Forces Airman who were killed in Iraq should be recognized, Airman Alden is the only one of the nine SF Airmen to die in Iraq to be memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. Click on photos below to see a larger image. Airman Alden's name was inscribed on the memorial April 2012. Go to our web page, Police Memorial Support, under our About Us page to see Airman Alden along with all 15 Air Force Airmen who are inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC.
A gunman, yelling, "God is great." in Arabic boarded the bus and shot SRA Alden and other Airmen on the bus. The gunman has confessed to the shooting. The gunman killed two Airmen and wounded two others before he was captured.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife "Trish" and son, Matthew. Airman Alden is buried at M. J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC - Section H Row 7 Site 317.
For more information, click here.
While all Security Forces Airman who were killed in Iraq should be recognized, Airman Alden is the only one of the nine SF Airmen to die in Iraq to be memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. Click on photos below to see a larger image. Airman Alden's name was inscribed on the memorial April 2012. Go to our web page, Police Memorial Support, under our About Us page to see Airman Alden along with all 15 Air Force Airmen who are inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC.
Staff Sergeant Todd "TJ" Lobraico
September 5, 2013, Staff Sergeant Todd "TJ" Lobraico was killed in action in Afghanistan. Todd was a native of New Fairfiled Connecticut. He was deployed to Afghanistan while assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron, Stewart ANG Base NY.
See the news article by clicking here for preliminary information. We will update this site as more information becomes available.
The Department of Defense announced September 6, 2013, the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico Jr., 22, of New Fairfield, Conn., died Sept. 5, 2013, from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
"The New York National Guard family extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico Jr. This fine, young airman had already served in a combat zone once before and knew the risks he was facing. Despite that, he did his job professionally and with courage. He will be missed by all who served with him and knew him," said Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York.
See the rest of the New York Air National Guard news release by clicking here.
See the news article by clicking here for preliminary information. We will update this site as more information becomes available.
The Department of Defense announced September 6, 2013, the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico Jr., 22, of New Fairfield, Conn., died Sept. 5, 2013, from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
"The New York National Guard family extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico Jr. This fine, young airman had already served in a combat zone once before and knew the risks he was facing. Despite that, he did his job professionally and with courage. He will be missed by all who served with him and knew him," said Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York.
See the rest of the New York Air National Guard news release by clicking here.
September 7, US Air Force Carry Team Transfers Todd's remains at Dover Air Force Base Delaware
(U.S. Air Force photo/David S.Tucker) Click on image to download high resolution.
Stewart Welcomes Staff Sergeant Todd Lobraico home
See photos of the ramp ceremony held by Stewart Air National Guard Base New York by clicking on the image at left.
Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain
Airman Sartain died October 2, 2015 when the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft that he was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. He was deployed from the 66 Security Forces Squadron Hanscom Air Force Base Massachusetts to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Bagram Airfield Afghanistan.
While deployed to Afghanistan, he performed as a member of the fly away security team - FAST - where he was responsible for the protection of the aircraft, passengers, crew, and cargo when the aircraft was land-based between missions. Senior Airman Sartain also performed as an installation entry controller and armorer.
Airman Sartain died October 2, 2015 when the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft that he was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. He was deployed from the 66 Security Forces Squadron Hanscom Air Force Base Massachusetts to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Bagram Airfield Afghanistan.
While deployed to Afghanistan, he performed as a member of the fly away security team - FAST - where he was responsible for the protection of the aircraft, passengers, crew, and cargo when the aircraft was land-based between missions. Senior Airman Sartain also performed as an installation entry controller and armorer.
12. Airman First Class Kcey E Ruiz
Airman Ruiz died October 2, 2015 when the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft that she was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. She was deployed from the 66 Security Forces Squadron Hanscom Air Force Base Massachusetts to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Bagram Airfield Afghanistan.
While deployed to Afghanistan, she performed as a member of the fly away security team - FAST - where she was responsible for the protection of the aircraft, passengers, crew, and cargo when the aircraft was land-based between missions. Airman Ruiz also performed as an installation entry controller and armorer.
Airman Ruiz died October 2, 2015 when the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft that she was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. She was deployed from the 66 Security Forces Squadron Hanscom Air Force Base Massachusetts to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Bagram Airfield Afghanistan.
While deployed to Afghanistan, she performed as a member of the fly away security team - FAST - where she was responsible for the protection of the aircraft, passengers, crew, and cargo when the aircraft was land-based between missions. Airman Ruiz also performed as an installation entry controller and armorer.
13. Technical Sergeant Joseph G. Lemm
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On Monday, December 21, 2015 Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm along with Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa and four (4) other airmen (Air Force OSI Agents) paid the ultimate sacrifice when they were killed by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle in Afghanistan. They were National Guard members of the 105th Security Forces Squadron located at Stewart air National Guard base in Newburgh New York. Sergeant Lemm also served with the New York Police Department. As a detective Joseph Lemm was a 15-year veteran of the NYPD and was promoted to detective in January 2014, serving the Bronx Warrant Squad.
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14. Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa
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On Monday, December 21, 2015 Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa along with Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm and four (4) other airmen (Air Force OSI Agents) paid the ultimate sacrifice when they were killed by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle in Afghanistan. They were National Guard members of the 105th Security Forces Squadron located at Stewart air National Guard base in Newburgh New York. At 31 years old, he leaves behind his wife of 11 years, Deborah, and 5-year old daughter, Lilianna.
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SF KIA Families
We have participated in activities with family members of our Security Forces Airmen who have been killed in action. In the photos below, General Jimmy McMillian (then the AF top cop) and Milita Rios-Samaniego (then SF Museum Curator) cut the ribbon with SF KIA family members at an opening of the Into the 21st Century exhibit at the Security Forces Museum; Jacobson Family 5th Anniversary of Liz's death - at that event, we presented Sondra (Liz's paternal grandmother with a plaque in recognition of her role in selling the 1,000th Proud Warrior Coin that raises money for injured Security Forces member) and also a recognition luncheon and retreat ceremony for the parents of Airman First Class Leebernard Chavis at Andrews Air Force Base.
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Our Goals
Honor and serve Air Force Security Forces Airmen, families, and our military heritage. Recognize the Air Force military service tradition. |
Contact Us
Eagle Chapter Air Force Security Forces Association P. O. Box 334 Gainesville, VA 20156-0334 chairman@afspaeagle.com |
Eagle Chapter is a tax-free, 501(C)(19) Veterans Services Organization.
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