Local Airman Among Those Killed When C-130 Crashes In Afghanistan

October 4, 2015

A local airman was among six Americans who died Thursday when a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan.

Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, and Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, GA, were identified Saturday by the Department of Defense.

Both Airmen were deployed to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan. Members of the 66th SFS routinely deploy to assist with security operations around the globe. Both Ruiz and Sartain were installation entry controllers and also armorers at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.3

They ensured that only authorized personnel accessed the installation, and they provided a proactive deterrent and first line of defense against any threats to the installation, its personnel and its mission, according to 66th Security Forces Squadron Commander Maj. Joseph Bincarousky.

While deployed to Afghanistan, they performed fly-away security team, better known as FAST, missions, meaning they flew on aircraft and were protecting the aircraft itself, the aircrew, passengers, and cargo, as these aircraft flew from one location to another.

Both Airmen were phenomenal young leaders and were nominated for early promotion, Bincarousky said.

“These Airmen were rock stars,” he said. “Their enthusiasm and dedication inspired peers and unit leadership alike. This is the type of young Airman the Air Force needs more of; their absence is palpable. Now it’s incumbent upon us as leaders to take the example they’ve given us and impress it upon others. They’ll be sorely missed by their fellow defenders here, and I’m extremely grateful for and humbled by their service. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones.”

Leaders at their deployed location in Afghanistan also lauded the Airmen.

“Senior Airman Nathan Sartain and Airman 1st Class Kcey Ruiz were critical to our mission here of delivering airpower on the combat frontier, and both were topnotch performers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Derick Stepp, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron manager. “They were consummate professionals and their loss is a loss for our squadron, their home station units, and our Air Force. They were the very finest of Airmen and their loss has impacted those who worked with them here and at their home station. They will always be a part of our family.”

Also killed in the crash were Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, of Camarillo, CA; Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, of Abilene, TX; Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, of Moundsville, WV; and Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, of Milwaukee, WI.

The remains of these fallen heroes will be flown back to the U.S. via Dover AFB, Delaware, at a yet-to-be-determined date.

Pictured:  U.S. Air Force Maj. Met Berisha, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander, stands at parade rest during a fallen comrade memorial ceremony held in honor of six Airmen Oct. 3, 2015, at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Pictured below: Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing pay their respect and mourn the loss of six Airmen during a fallen comrade memorial ceremony at Bagram Air Field. U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Cierra Presentado for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

14 Responses to “Local Airman Among Those Killed When C-130 Crashes In Afghanistan”

  1. An Active Duty Airman on October 6th, 2015 12:33 am

    Here’s a toast . . .

    The third verse was sang at our base today in honor of those who lost their life. Our flag has been lowered, and the environment is somber as we mourn the loss of our brothers and prepare to add names to our wall of fallen graduates.

  2. Susan Pearson on October 5th, 2015 6:37 pm

    @Niknak 50, Liz Fillingham, have some class and keep your personal agendas off this page effectively it’s an OBITUARY.

  3. HERO'S on October 5th, 2015 12:50 pm

    I Salute You Hero. May God Bless You

  4. john on October 5th, 2015 6:34 am

    I pray that my God “the unknown God” will indwell and bless our soldiers through his Son.

  5. Anonymous on October 5th, 2015 12:26 am

    My heart breaks for the families and friends of those killed in this accident. I didn’t know them, as they were stationed at another base, but I am reminded of the risk that those who come through my flight kitchen are faced with, be it accident or enemy intended. May they rest in peace, and watch over us all from above. It is a reminder that our lives are short and fleeting, and can be gone in an instant, should God wish it.

    I ask that everyone welcome them home, and be there for the families who have lost their loved ones. I’d be there if I could. On a side note, it isn’t mandated that the President has to order the flag to half staff in the event of these deaths, or that of the Oregon shooting (upon which it has already been decreed, and the half-mast status ends tomorrow, 06Oct15). It is, however, a sign of respect and honor (again, both in the C-130 accident and the shooting) to be flown in such a manner. The governors of states may also appoint flags at half staff, so be on the look out, though I do believe you may fly your personal flags at half staff should you wish it.

  6. Amethyst Sweet on October 4th, 2015 3:16 pm

    R.I.P. Nathan!! You will never be forgotten.

  7. Sherry on October 4th, 2015 2:14 pm

    It’s outrageous that our American flag hasn’t been lowered to half staff in Washington for these courageous warriors. I will lower mine.

  8. SABRINA GODWIN on October 4th, 2015 2:13 pm

    He was my friends nephew. My heart goes out to his friends and family. May God grant them the strength to get though this difficult time. Keeping you all in my prayers.

  9. liz fillingim on October 4th, 2015 11:41 am

    I Pray for the Families of these AMERICAN HEROES, The men and women of the ARMED FORCES deserve alot more respect from the Government ”Obama” and all the other ones in the White House who are not smart enough to realize that if it werent for our Military and their sacrifices that we would Not be free. GOD BLESS his Family. May GOD bring you some kind of PEACE.

  10. bobinbusan on October 4th, 2015 9:40 am

    “RIP”

  11. Klondike Kid on October 4th, 2015 8:46 am

    My prayers & condolences to the families. I spent several months at this base in 2012, it was always dangerous & the insurgents were always trying to attack the airfield. These young people made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and should be honored accordingly.

  12. Niknak50 on October 4th, 2015 8:39 am

    My heart is broken over the senseless tragedy in Oregon. The grief and anguish of the parents and community is beyond comprehension. However the loss of the crew of this plane is equally heartbreaking and you would think President Obama would at least mention it, and extend condolences to the families and communities of these fine airmen. Instead he focused on the trajedy in Oregon to talk about himself and condemn America in the process, using the same old worn out rhetoric of how these trajedies are the fault of a weapon, and not the insane person using it.

  13. Todd on October 4th, 2015 8:39 am

    Rest Easy, Brother, see ya in Valhalla.

  14. Bob C. on October 4th, 2015 8:17 am

    The Best of the United States of America.

    Please let us know when we should be prepared to line the roadways with our US Flags to Honor Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain.

    May God Bless and Protect ALL who serve in Uniform, military and First Responders.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News