104th Fighter Wing Participates in Operation Atlantic Resolve

Bulgarian air force firefighters remain on standby watch as a U.S. Air Force

and Massachusetts Air National Guard F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft assigned to

the 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron remains on the flightline during a

theater security package deployment at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria,

May 26, 2016. The F-15s serve as rotational forces which aim to bolster the

U.S.'s commitment to European security and stability as well as deter

aggression. The 131st EFS is composed of Airmen assigned to the 104th

Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., and the 144th FW,

Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by

Senior Airman Loni Kingston/Released).

104th Fighter Wing Airmen Experience Medevac Training with 3-126th Aviation Flight Medics.

Sgt. Brad Demers, flight medic for the Massachusetts Army National Guard, 3-126th Aviation, instructs medics from the Massachusetts Air National Guard, 104th Fighter Wing, 104th Medical Group, on "hot" loading patients and approaching the HH-60 Medevac BlackHawk aircraft from the three o' clock position safely clearing the blades, during joint medic augmentee training at Barnes Air National Guard Base. The 104th Fighter Wing and the Det 1 C Company 3-126th Aviation teamed up to increase flight medics in support of domestic operations. The Joint Medic augmentee training will enhance and increase medical capabilities for domestic operations during search and rescues, emergency disaster responses, and statewide events such as the Boston Marathon.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

104th Fighter Wing
Story by Master Sgt. Julie Avey


Airmen approach the medevac helicopter from the three o’ clock position, carrying a patient on a stretcher as the rotors are turning and the engines are hot. The medics stable the patient as the helicopter lifts off over Barnes Air National Guard Base during joint medical augmentee training. Medics from the Massachusetts Air National Guard, 104th Fighter Wing trained with the Massachusetts Army National Guard, Detachment 1 C Company 3-126th Aviation Flight Medics, joining together to increase support for domestic operations.

“The medic augmentee program supports the Army Aviation with 104th Fighter Wing trained medics to allow the Army Aviation to successfully meet domestic operations and annual training requirements, while bolstering the 104th FW with a real world medical mission set,” said Col. James Keefe, 104th Fighter Wing Commander.

The Air Guard carried out their medical skills on board a HH-60 Medevac. Airmen took to the skies with the Army medics to better understand the challenges on board the aircraft when treating a patient in evacuation care.

“I am very excited to be a part of this operation. As a kid I would watch the aircraft from my home just around the corner and now to be a part of it humbles me,” said Airman First Class Alan Guin of the 104th Medical Group.“The integration of both our Army’s medical capabilities and the skill set of our Air Force med-techs can prove an immense growth of the Massachusetts National Guard medical opportunities.”

The Joint Medical Augmentee Program will help the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts National Guard provide an increased domestic operations mission set and training platform for the 104th Medical Group medics.

“This training is exceptionally important to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Maj. James Brown Jr. of the 104th Medical Group. “It increases the capacity of both units and expands the skill set of the Air Force medics without incurring any additional costs to either unit while creating a symbiotic relationship between the 104th medics and the Det1 C Company 1-126th.”

During the first part of the training flight regulations and procedures were discussed.The course also included familiarization training with the HH-60 Medevac aircraft and the location of equipment before taking off. The instructor covered the locations of the on board aviation medical equipment to include the oxygen, suction, and support for IV fluid overhead.

Environmental control, electrical outlets, and lighting, were amongst the important information provided as the students familiarized themselves with the aircraft.

The control panels throughout the aircraft were explained. The medical evacuation interior has a capacity of six litters total. The mechanical lifts have a tilt capability for the medics to adjust accordingly for their patient’s comfort.

The students were also shown how the external hoist functions operate and the equipment associated with it such as the jungle penetrator, sked, and rescue basket.

“I think what we are starting is great,” said Senior Airman Courtney Greene. “Air Force medics are able to train more and use EMT skills we don’t normally use during a drill weekend. The Army is also going to be provided with additional medics to meet their mission needs. I think it’s important to have the Army and Air National Guard work together to support domestic operations.”

The unit has had increased taskings to provide MEDEVAC for events such as the Boston Marathon, hurricane Sandy, Fourth of July, and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Training Events (MEMA).

Detachment 1 C Company 3-126th Aviation is based out of the Army Aviation Support Facility 2 (AASF2) on Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. The unit is the only helicopter air ambulance medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) unit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It currently is assigned HH-60M Black hawk helicopters for the purpose of MEDEVAC domestic operations and combat missions.

The mission of the C Company 3-126this to provide aeromedical evacuation of the injured and wounded while administering in route patient care by trained medical personnel. Their capabilities include patient transfer, Bambi bucket aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical resupply, and air movement of passengers.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to train and learn new skills with the Army National Guard Aviation,” said Senior Airman Justin Gilbert. “It is always good to have as much knowledge and training in ones career field and this is a great opportunity to open the doors to new skills and abilities. The Army Guard was very accommodating and eager to teach.”

Live fire training partners Airmen with local firefighters

Firefighters from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services flight pose with members of the Songtan fire department at the Kyonggi-do Fire Academy, Republic of Korea, May 18, 2016. The firefighters prepared for a live fire training exercise at the fire academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo/Released)

51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Story by Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – Firefighters from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron partnered with members of Songtan Fire Department a joint training structural live fire exercise May 18, 2016, at Kyonggi-do Fire Academy.

Osan fire and emergency services members train with Korean counterparts on a monthly basis, but this was the first time they participated in an off-base live fire training.

“It went really well today,” said Tech. Sgt. Crayton Felder, 51st CES assistant chief of operations. “All of the guys were hustling and knew what they were doing, and everyone worked very well together.”

The firefighters donned their gear upon arrival at the fire academy and soon charged into the live fire facility, working together to put out interior fires under the supervision of both Air Force and Korean senior fire and emergency services members.

“We get to see what they’re capable of, their facilities and how they train,” said Felder. “It may help spark our minds about how we can do certain things better and have a better working relationship with these guys.”

The mutual exchange of knowledge also brought along a mutual feeling of appreciation for the combined training.

“It was a good opportunity to train for a real world fire situation,” said Kim Young-Sun, Songtan fire station response team leader. “It’s more effective for each of our teams to know how we each respond.”

"You are only forgotten when you are no longer remembered - and we will never forget." written by Paul Glascock, SSgt.1972

Compiled is a list of Firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice Protecting Those who Defend America.  DOD Fire News will bring you some of the stories of Firefighters who gave their lives while fighting for our country.  

"You are only forgotten when you are no longer remembered - and we will never forget." Great Quote written by Paul Glascock, SSgt., USAF, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat RTAFB, Thailand 1972.


21-Jun-41 Rock Island Arsenal, IL Mr. LEO J. KELLY USA Structural Fire/Inhalation of fumes

2-Oct-48 Rhein Main AB, GE PFC JOHNNIE T. ORMS USAF Vehicle accident

5-Aug-50 Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA SSgt JOHN E. MCCULLUM USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

5-Aug-50 Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA Cpl DOYAL D. HANSTED USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

5-Aug-50 Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA PFC WILLIAM R. VETTER USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

5-Aug-50 Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA PVT EMILE G. BENDER JR. USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

5-Aug-50 Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA PVT EDWARD GOINS USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Sgt FORRIST D. CLAUDLE USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. CHOTARO MORITA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Sgt NEWTON P. MCDONALD USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. YASUO SATO USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan PFC HERMAN BREEDING, JR USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. SHIGERU TANAKA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. ISAMU IKEDA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. MASAKICHI TSUNODA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. SHINPEI IZAWA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

18-Nov-51 Yokota AB, Japan Mr. NOBORU YAMADA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-29)

19-Jan-52 Mather AFB, CA A1C. Donald G. DENKER USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-86D)

6-Apr-54 George AFB, CA Mr. CARL C. CASE USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-86D)

6-Apr-54 George AFB, CA TSgt JAMES C. FLOWERS USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-86D)

22-Jan-61 Midway Island AM3 Ronald E. Blakeman USN Navy EC-121 slid into MB-5 Crash truck

22-Jan-61 Midway Island AB3 Gordon G. Blatchley USN Navy EC-121 slid into MB-5 Crash truck

22-Jan-61 Midway Island AN Robert J. Razey USN Navy EC-121 slid into Crash Fire MB-5 Crash truck

8-May-61 Altus AFB, OK A1C RUFUS L. MEACHUM USAF Vehicle accident – other (P-6)

21-Nov-61 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Civ Dale V Kelchner USAF Structural Fire/Collapse

21-Nov-61 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Civ William J Collins USAF Structural Fire/Collapse

15-May-62 Whiteman AFB, MO TSgt RICHARD EAST USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-47)

15-May-62 Whiteman AFB, MO A1C WAYNE HOWER USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-47)

15-May-62 Whiteman AFB, MO A1C JOSEPH PALOGIMA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-47)

15-May-62 Whiteman AFB, MO A1C PAUL RALLS USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-47)

15-May-62 Whiteman AFB, MO A1C CHESTER TAYLOR USAF Aircraft emergency incident (B-47)

27-Apr-65Bien Hoa AB, S. Vietnam A1C ROBERT W. DOSS USAF Aircraft emergency incident

15-Jul-67Da Nang, S. Vietnam A2C CHARLES D WARD USAF Explosion after rocket attack

15-Jul-67 Da Nang, S. Vietnam A2C CHARLES R. HUMBLE USAF Explosion after rocket attack

15-Jul-67 Da Nang, S. Vietnam A1C RONALD F POOLE USAF Explosion after rocket attack

15-Jul-67 Da Nang, S. Vietnam A2C CHARLES F BOSS USAF Explosion after rocket attack

15-Jul-67Da Nang, S. Vietnam A1C JOHN S BERG USAF Explosion after rocket attack

15-Jul-67Da Nang, S. Vietnam A1C JAMES BROOKS USAF

15-Jul-67Da Nang, S. Vietnam AMN JAMES H. PRICE from Price, Winchester, IL

15-Jul-67Da Nang, S. Vietnam AMN JERALD K. SUMIDA from Kahului, HI

28-Apr-67Dong Ha, S. Vietnam Cpl ALBERT J ROSE USMC

28-Aug-67Marble Mountain, S. Vietnam LCpl PHILLIP R. CURRAN USMC

20-Feb-68Tuy Hoa AB, S. Vietnam SSgt HURSHELL H. GOUGH USAF Aircraft emergency incident

10-Oct-68 Phan Rang AB, S. Vietnam TSgt EMMETT S. ORR USAF Aircraft emergency Pedro 44

10-Oct-68Phan Rang AB, S. Vietnam SSgt MILLARD LUTHER E. BLEDSOE USAF Aircraft Pedro 44

8-May-68 Binh Thuy S. Vietnam SSgt JAMES E. SPICKLER USAF Aircraft emergency incident

19-Jun-68 Hoa, S. Vietnam Cpl ARLAN J KENNEDY, JR USMC

2-Sep-70 Chu Lai, S. Vietnam AIC ROBERT P. PAPE USAF  Explosion

2-Sep-70Chu Lai, S. Vietnam SSgt BOBBY L. HOLZER USAF  Explosion 

3-June-71  Chanute Air Force Base  A1C RICHARD CRINER USAF  Dormitory Fire.  

17-May-72 Korat, Thailand SSgt RAYMOND DAUBENDIEK USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-105)

17-May-72Korat, Thailand Sgt JAMES LATHAM USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-105)

17-May-72 Korat, Thailand Mr. SAMARN BEONSARI USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-105)

17-May-72 Korat, Thailand Mr. KARNCHIT PATIFASNA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-105)

17-May-72 Korat, Thailand Mr. NIPHON WANARAT USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-105)

17-May-72 Korat, Thailand Mr. TAVIL TESKAUJANA USAF Aircraft emergency incident (F-105)

Dec-72 Williams AFB, AZ Mr. WILLIAM KASSHIEMER USAF Aircraft emergency response (0-11A)

19-Oct-73 NAS San Diego, CA Mr. Brian Lindsey USN Other Actvity (on-duty – not classified)

19-Oct-73 NAS San Diego, CA Mr. Stanley Hertel USN Other Actvity (on-duty – not classified)

Oct-73 NALF San Clemente Island, CA Mr. Stephen Stiftner USN Other Actvity

18-Dec-74 Buckley AFB, CO SSgt WILBER UNRUH USAF POL tank emergency incident

21-Jul-76 F.E. Warren AFB, WY Mr. KENNETH D. DOUBLE USAF Aircraft training incident

17-Mar-77 Altus AFB, OK Mr. WARD SUMMITT USAF Other activity – (on-duty – not classified)

20-Dec-77 Vandenberg AFB, CA Mr. BILLY J BELL USAF Wildland emergency incident

20-Dec-77 Vandenberg AFB, CA Mr. EUGENE C. COOPER USAF Wildland emergency incident

Dec-79 Williams AFB, AZ MSgt JAMES ? WOODS USAF Other activity – (on-duty – not classified)

13-Feb-80 Dyess AFB, TX Mr. DEAN CHAPMAN USAF Other – P-13 reservicing operation

04-Mar-81 NAS – Norfolk, VA Mr. WILLAIM B. TRAVIS USN Other activity – (on-duty – not classified)

15-Jun-81 F.E. Warren AFB, WY Mr. CHARLES R. KUHNS USAF Other activity

1981 Davis Monthan AFB,AZ/span> A1C Ronald J. McNeeley USAF Aircraft training incident

Aug-82 Blythville AFB, AR A1C MONEX ? THOMAS USAF Aircraft training incident – (F-6)

28-Dec-83 Laughlin AFB, TX Mr. LUIS T. OSTEEN USAF Other activity – (on-duty – not classified)

7-Apr-86 Tonapah Site, NV TSgt WILLIAM C. HARTSELL USAF Aircraft training incident –(P-4)

21-Apr-88 F.E. Warren AFB, WY Amn STEVEN L. HUITT USAF Structural training incident

27-Sep-88 NAB- Little Creek, VA Captain ROBERT “BOBBY” L HOEFLEIN USN Rescue Operations

10-Jan-90 Carswell AFB, TX A1C JAMES E WHITE USAF Aircraft training incident (Halon related)

11-Jun-95 Sheppard AFB, TX A1C CHRISTOPHER REZAC USAF POL tank emergency incident

11-Jun-95 Sheppard AFB, TX Mr. RICHARD HOGAN USAF POL tank emergency incident

20-Mar-98 MCAS Yuma, AZ LCpl JOSEPH E. JULIANO USMC

18-Sep-98 Laughlin AFB, TX SrA DONALD A. TROTOCHAUD USAF Vehicle accident – other (P-18)

28-Oct-99 Prince Sultan Air Base, SA TSgt THOMAS R O’FLAHRITY ANG HEART ATTACK

4-Sep-00 Yuma Az Cpl Daniel H. YAKIN USMC Vehicle Accident

4-Dec-02 FORT RUCKER, Ala Mr. Kerry G Neis, USA Vehicle accident – other

20-Feb-03 Kingsley Field ANG Base, OR Mr. LARRY A. BROWN USAF Died of Heart Attack

31-Dec-03 Submarine Base Groton Ct Mr. KENNETH JEFFREY USN Medical Emergency on Duty

10-Apr-03  Kuwait-Iraq border CIV ROBERT GRIMM, was killed in a vehicle accident 

16-Aug-04 MCAS Beaufort, SC. Cpl ROBERT (Bobby) M WEBER,Jr. USMC Other activity

13-Feb-05Balad Iraq, Dyess AFB TX SSgt RAY RANGEL (OIF) USAF Drowned during rescueattempt

11-Nov-05 Ft Hood Mr. Chad E. Wessels USA Vehicle rollover 

24-Sept.-05  Al Taqaddum, Iraq Sgt/FF Brian E. Dunlap USMC  lost his life while in combat.  

7-Jan-09 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Mr. MARTY SPARKS USAF Heart Attack-Retuning for response

26-Sep-09 Thule AB, Greenland Mr. Torben O. Andersen USAF Heart attack

11-Feb-11 Kadena AB, Japan A1C DEREK KOZOROSKY USAF Vehicle Accident--backing incident

13-Aug-11 NSA Naples, Italy Mr. ROBERTO NOCERA USN Medical Emer on Duty-Passed at Hospital

13-Jan-12 NSA Naples, Italy Mr. LUIGI RULLO USN Medical Emer on Duty-Passed at Hospital

4-Jul-12 White Draw fire (near Edgemont, SD Lt. Col PAUL K. MIKEAL USAF Vehicle Collision - Includes Aircraft-MAFFS-7-Home Base 145th Charlotte NC

4-Jul-12 White Draw fire (near Edgemont, SD Maj JOSEPH M. McCORMICK USAF Vehicle Collision - Includes Aircraft-MAFFS-7-Home Base 145th Charlotte NC

4-Jul-12 White Draw fire (near Edgemont, SD Maj RYAN S. DAVID USAF Vehicle Collision - Includes Aircraft-MAFFS-7-Home Base 145th Charlotte NC

4-Jul-12 White Draw fire (near Edgemont, SD SMSgt ROBERT S. CANNON USAF Vehicle Collision - Includes Aircraft-MAFFS-7-Home Base 145th Charlotte NC

6-Apr-12 Combat Readiness Ctr, Gulfport, MS MSgt KEVIN L. JOHNSON USAF Wildland Fire

16-May-13 Ft Benning, GA Mr. James STANLEY USA Vascular Rupture--Pending

17-Jun-13 QUONSET ANG BASE R.I. Mr. EDWARD V. VANNER JR. USAF Medical Emergency

30-May-14 NDW, Joint Base Anacostia-Bowling Mr. JOHN MCDONALD USN Medical Emergency

26-Jul-15 Station 27 NCANG Cabarrus County Civ Captain Mr. Alan Hicks Medial Emergency 

If you know of a name not on the list please contact me at DODFireNews@gmail.com

Beyond the Horizon 2016 Guatemala

U.S. Soldiers from Task Force Red Wolf and Guatemalan transit emergency workers came together at the Universidad Da Vinci De Guatemala for a training exercise to practice search and rescue drills in case of a volcanic eruption in San Pedro, Guatemala, May 14, 2016. Task Force Red Wolf and Army South conducts Humanitarian Civil Assistance Training to include tactical level construction projects and Medical Readiness Training Exercises providing medical access and building schools in Guatemala with the Guatemalan Government and non-government agencies from 05MAR16 to 18JUN16 in order to improve the mission readiness of US Forces and to provide a lasting benefit to the people of Guatemala. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ronquel Robinson/Released)

Guatemalan Mountain Brigade army emergency workers rush to a patient carrying an a litter during a training exercise to practice search and rescue drills in case of a volcanic eruption at the Universidad Da Vinci De Guatemala in San Pedro, Guatemala, May 14, 2016. Task Force Red Wolf and Army South conducts Humanitarian Civil Assistance Training to include tactical level construction projects and Medical Readiness Training Exercises providing medical access and building schools in Guatemala with the Guatemalan Government and non-government agencies from 05MAR16 to 18JUN16 in order to improve the mission readiness of US Forces and to provide a lasting benefit to the people of Guatemala. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ronquel Robinson/Released)

Guatemalan emergency first responders carry an injured patient on a litter during a training exercise to practice search and rescue drills in case of a volcanic eruption at the Universidad Da Vinci De Guatemala in San Pedro, Guatemala, May 14, 2016. Task Force Red Wolf and Army South conducts Humanitarian Civil Assistance Training to include tactical level construction projects and Medical Readiness Training Exercises providing medical access and building schools in Guatemala with the Guatemalan Government and non-government agencies from 05MAR16 to 18JUN16 in order to improve the mission readiness of US Forces and to provide a lasting benefit to the people of Guatemala. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ronquel Robinson/Released)