Balad remembers a fallen Eglin Airman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  Servicemembers from across Joint Base Balad, Iraq, gathered at MWR-East for a memorial service Sept. 19, in memory of a fallen comrade.

Senior Airman James Hansen, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron airfield manager, died Sept. 15 during an ordnance disposal operation.  Airman Hansen was deployed from Eglin Air Force Base's 46th Operations Support Squadron.

"We struggle with the why of losing a young life," said Maj. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "James was a magnificent Airman. Airman Hansen's family will receive our deepest sympathy, and his Air Force family will be with them now and in the future to help them through this time."

Among the servicemembers who attended the service, Airman Hansen's long-time friend, Airman 1st Class William Crew, 332 EOSS airfield management coordinator, offered some poignant words to earmark Airman Hansen's time here.

"We went through basic training and technical school together," said Airman Crew. "He was a good and smart guy, and I looked up to him like an older brother. We both received orders to come here at the same time and we did everything together. I noticed he was shy at first until you got to know him, then he really opened up and liked to laugh and have fun. He really worked hard and always went the extra mile for people. He was a real stand-up kind of guy. He was my mentor pushing me to work out and go to school. He was an outstanding person in every aspect."

Airman Hansen's accomplishments and mentorship will live on with the 332 EOSS as they retire his airfield call sign.

"In honor of James we are retiring his call sign," said Lt. Col. David Chace, 332 EOSS commander. "Airfield Three job well done, God bless you."