Hurlburt's Heroes: Remembering The Fallen Airmen Of Afghanistan

Since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, several airmen from Hurlburt Field have lost their lives in service of their country. The first airmen to die in combat in Afghanistan fell during a deadly battle on March 4, 2002, in which seven U.S. soldiers were killed. Two Hurlburt airmen were also among the fatalities in a plane crash in Afghanistan in June 2012. More recently, in December 2023, two Hurlburt airmen died in a CV-22 crash. While the full number of Hurlburt airmen who have died in Afghanistan is unknown, these incidents highlight the sacrifices made by the men and women of Hurlburt Field in the line of duty.

Two Hurlburt airmen died in a CV-22 crash in Afghanistan

On April 9, 2010, two Hurlburt Field Airmen died in a CV-22 Osprey crash near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Maj. Randell D. Voas, 43, and Senior Master Sgt. James B. Lackey, 45, were the two airmen who lost their lives in the crash. Both were assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field and were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. An Army Soldier and a civilian employee also perished in the crash, and several other service members sustained injuries.

The CV-22 Osprey is a versatile aircraft capable of nighttime, long-range, infiltration, and exfiltration missions. It combines the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. This particular mission was the second deployment for the 8th SOS staff, who had first completed a CV-22 combat deployment in November 2009.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and an investigation was launched by Air Force officials. This tragic incident marked the first time a CV-22 aircraft was lost during combat operations. The Hurlburt Field community expressed their sorrow for the families of the fallen airmen, Maj. Voas and Sgt. Lackey, and committed to supporting them through their difficult time.

The loss of these two Hurlburt Field airmen, along with the Army soldier and civilian employee, is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces. While the circumstances of the crash were unknown initially, the investigation sought to uncover the factors that led to this tragic incident, providing answers and ensuring the prevention of similar occurrences in the future.

A June 12 crash in Afghanistan killed two Hurlburt airmen

On June 12, a plane crash in Afghanistan claimed the lives of two Hurlburt airmen and one Army Special Forces soldier. The two crew members who died in the crash were loadmasters Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, 31, of Grafton, West Virginia, and Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Corlew, 37, of Thousand Oaks, California. They are Hurlburt's only fatalities in Afghanistan.

The aircraft involved in the crash was a $155 million MC-130H Combat Talon II, a modified version of the four-engine, turboprop C-130 Hercules cargo plane. The Combat Talon is equipped with terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radars that enable it to fly at treetop level, helping to avoid radar detection when flying behind enemy lines to deliver, remove, and supply Special Forces troops. These missions are typically carried out at night, and the aircraft also performs psychological warfare missions and helicopter refuelling while in flight.

The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from a remote airstrip and is still under investigation. Military officials have stated that it is unlikely that the plane was shot down. In addition to the two Hurlburt airmen, an Army Green Beret soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Peter P. Tycz II, 32, of Tonawanda, New York, was also killed in the crash. Seven people were injured, including five from Hurlburt.

The loss of these dedicated service members is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces. While the circumstances of the crash are still being determined, the incident underscores the inherent risks and dangers faced by military personnel, particularly in active combat zones. It is important to honour the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to provide support to their loved ones and fellow service members as they navigate the difficult path of loss and grief.

Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero and Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Corlew were Hurlburt's only fatalities in Afghanistan

On June 12, a tragic plane crash in Afghanistan claimed the lives of two Hurlburt airmen: Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero and Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Corlew. They were the only fatalities from Hurlburt Field in Afghanistan. The crash occurred shortly after their aircraft took off from a remote airstrip and is still under investigation. Military officials have stated that it is unlikely the plane was shot down.

Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, 31, was from Grafton, West Virginia. She served as a loadmaster on the MC-130H Combat Talon II, a modified version of the C-130 Hercules cargo plane. These specialised aircraft are designed for flying behind enemy lines, delivering and supplying Special Forces troops, and conducting psychological warfare missions. The terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radars on these planes enable them to fly at treetop level, evading radar detection.

Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Corlew, 37, was from Thousand Oaks, California, and also served as a loadmaster on the MC-130H Combat Talon II. Both Staff Sgt. Shero and Tech. Sgt. Corlew were integral members of the 16th Special Operations Wing, based at Hurlburt Field in Florida.

The Hurlburt community has endured the loss of these two brave airmen, along with other crashes involving helicopters and a MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker. Despite these tragedies, the base and its personnel continue to serve and protect, honouring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Staff Sgt. Richard B. Hunter received the Air Force Cross for his actions in Afghanistan

On June 12, 2002, two Hurlburt airmen and an Army Special Forces soldier died in a plane crash in Afghanistan. The two crew members who died were loadmasters: Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, 31, and Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Corlew, 37.

On November 2, 2016, Staff Sgt. Richard B. Hunter led a Special Forces team into a remote village in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, as part of a mission to find a "high-priority" target. The 55-man team located the target behind a 12-foot-tall metal fence and was preparing to detonate it when they were ambushed by the Taliban. Over the next eight hours, Hunter led his team through the assault, placing himself between the enemy and his team, shielding the wounded with his body, and providing suppressive fire. He also directed multiple danger-close airstrikes to within 20 meters, which ultimately saved 57 lives and killed 27 enemies.

For his actions in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Richard B. Hunter received the Air Force Cross, the Air Force's highest honor, second only to the Medal of Honor. The Air Force Cross is awarded for valor in combat, and Hunter's actions demonstrated exceptional courage and heroism. He was humbled by the recognition, stating that most guys in his field would have done the same.

Hunter's story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of our military personnel, who risk their lives to protect others. His actions not only saved the lives of his teammates but also ensured the success of the mission. The use of airstrikes to neutralise the enemy while protecting friendly forces highlights the importance of coordination and precision in modern warfare.

In addition to Staff Sgt. Hunter, nine other airmen received distinguished valorous medals for their actions during the firefight. Major Alexander W. Hill, who led the air support efforts, received the Distinguished Flying Cross. The other airmen were recognised with a mix of Distinguished Flying Crosses and Air Medals with Valor, acknowledging their bravery and skill in the face of danger.

Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham was one of the first airmen to die in combat in Afghanistan

Cunningham's unit was tasked with rescuing two American servicemen who were evading capture by Al-Qaida and Taliban forces in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan. As their MH-47E Chinook helicopter approached the landing zone, it came under heavy fire from rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. The aircraft was severely damaged and crash-landed, resulting in three fatalities and five critical casualties. Despite the intense enemy fire, Cunningham remained to treat the wounded, even as he was exposed to enemy fire himself. With mortar rounds impacting nearby, he repeatedly braved enemy fire to move his patients to safer locations, exposing himself to danger multiple times.

Even after being mortally wounded, Cunningham continued to direct patient movement and transferred care to another medic. His actions led to the successful rescue and treatment of ten gravely wounded Americans. For his extraordinary heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, the second-highest award that can be bestowed on a member of the Air Force.

Cunningham's story is a testament to his bravery and dedication to saving lives, even at the cost of his own. His selfless actions embody the pararescueman's motto, "That Others Might Live." He is remembered as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

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