Six Airmen Killed In Afghanistan Identified
by Jeff Schogol, Staff writer 8:35 p.m. EST December 22, 2015
(Photo: Kenn Mann/Air Force)

Once again, the Air Force is in mourning.
The Defense Department identified six airmen killed in Afghanistan just days before Christmas:

• Maj. Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen, 36, with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 9th Field Investigations Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
• Staff Sgt. Michael A. Cinco, 28, with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 11th Field Investigations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
• Staff Sgt. Peter W. Taub, 30, with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 816, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.
• Staff Sgt. Chester J. McBride, 30, with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 405, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
• Tech Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm, 45, with the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York.
• Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa, 31, with the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York.

“The tragic loss of six airmen casts a dark shadow over our Air Force this holiday season,” Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a Tuesday statement. “As we collectively mourn with their families and loved ones, let us never forget their courage, bravery, and selflessness. These airmen volunteered to serve their country and by doing so, gave a full measure of devotion. On behalf of all of us, I offer my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and fellow airmen."

The deaths of the four OSI agents make Monday's attack "the deadliest day in our command's history," Brig. Gen. Keith Givens, OSI commander, said on Tuesday.

"We lost four brave special agents and two patriotic security forces members on a joint patrol outside of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, Monday, Dec. 21," Givens said in a statement. "The OSI family will undoubtedly rise to the occasion yet again and honor these great Americans, but for now, I ask for your thoughts and prayers to go out to the families and loved ones of the fallen."

AFSFA Policy Note:

First and foremost, AFSFA publishes only AF validated information regarding serious and painful events like this. That helps prevent misinformation that could cause more pain or confusion. Although it may appear AFSFA is slow to publish articles about these types of events we will publish when information has been officially released by the Air Force. This ensures we get it right all the time.

Obviously, it has been just over 48 hours since the Bagram attack and the loss of six Air Force personnel, so much is not yet set or known such as memorial services and other follow-on ceremonies. Once that information is known AFSFA will pass it on.

Honoring our Defender who have given their life while performing duties is one of the most important tasks AFSFA takes to heart. Routinely, AFSFA works with the unit so we are present at the memorial service and present the surviving family a mounted beret with name plate, sympathy card, Fallen Defender and AFSFA coin and AFSFA magazine. Following services we coordinate with the unit to produce a 18 inch by 24 inch black granite plaque for the unit to post memorializing their Defender. The next Security Forces Magazine will include photos and articles made available from the unit about their Defender and copies of the magazine are respectfully sent to the unit and the families.

While each of us gets ready to enjoy the Christmas and New Years times please keep all of our Defenders, their families, and their units in your prayers and thoughts.

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