"Airmen killed in training accident identified"

2015-08-05T09:55:31-04:00

From: Navarre Press

Two airmen died following a military freefall training exercise at Eglin Range Aug. 3.

Tech Sgt. Timothy A. Officer, Jr., 32, was a Tactical Air Control Party Airman assigned to the 720th Operations Support Squadron. Officer was a 14-year combat veteran with multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom where he earned multiple medals including two Bronze Star Medals (one with Valor) for his bravery against armed enemies of the United States. Officer is survived by his parents.

Tech Sgt. Marty B. Bettelyoun, 35, was a Combat Controller assigned to the 720th OSS. He was a 15-year combat veteran with multiple deployments to several combat zones and sensitive areas around the world. Bettelyoun is survived by his wife and five children.

“Tech. Sergeants Timothy Officer and Marty Bettelyoun were the epitome of a Special Tactics Airman: professional, dedicated and prepared to give their lives in service to their country,” said Col. Wolfe Davidson, 24th Special Operations Wing commander. “Our community has taken a huge loss with their deaths, and they will be sorely missed. They were respected by their peers for not only their ability on the battlefield, but also for their incredible commitment to friends and family. In the face of this tragedy, we will honor their service and their sacrifice, and we request others respect their family’s privacy as they take it one day at a time.”

Special Tactics airmen are the Air Force’s ground special operations forces, and often embed with U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Army Special Forces to integrate air power for the special operations ground force, according to a release from the Air Force Special Tactics, 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office.

Special Tactics airmen jump out of aircraft in military freefall as an alternate insertion into hostile environments, when aircraft cannot land in enemy territory or rough terrain, the release stated. The Special Tactics airmen train to land safely in a planned drop zone and conduct their mission, whether it be personnel recovery, airfield reconnaissance and establishment or special operations air integration.

The cause of the incident is not known, and it is still under investigation.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/08/04/two-airmen-killed-during-parachute-training-identified/31133171/

Two airmen killed during parachute training identified

Both men died of injuries sustained during military freefall training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. They belonged to the 24th Special Operations Wing.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 5 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-08-05T09:58:16-04:00

R.I.P., men.

I can't recall how many training deaths I saw when I was at at Eglin in the '70s. The military is a dangerous profession even when not in combat. Mostly aircraft crashes, but also maintenance (man ejected into hangar ceiling), rescue (pilot ejected into runway), vehicle (8x rollover) and ordnance testing. I also recall a crewmember riding the door down during a drop on Fld. 3 on what was to have been his last mission before separation.

It takes a special kind of man to go into harm's way in the service of his country.

Thank God we still have them.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 5 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-08-05T09:58:25-04:00

Sleep in peace Gentlemen

Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 5 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-08-05T10:00:32-04:00

RallyPoint Shared Content Condolences to the family and friends of these heroes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-08-05T10:58:31-04:00

My re guards to the families.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-08-05T11:05:57-04:00

Go with honor, gentlemen.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-08-05T11:31:16-04:00

RIP, brothers.

Thoughts and prayers for their families friends and comrades.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 5 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-08-05T11:38:03-04:00

Fair wind and following seas, Airmen. You did a job not many of us could.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 5 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-08-05T13:40:36-04:00

Response by TSgt David L. made Aug 5 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-08-05T14:06:13-04:00

RIP Brothers. You will be missed and remembered.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-08-05T16:26:11-04:00

Godspeed, warriors. My prayers to their families.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 5 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-08-05T16:29:25-04:00

Prayers for the families

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 5 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-08-05T16:49:21-04:00

Praying for the families.

Response by MSgt Donald G. made Aug 5 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-08-05T17:31:40-04:00

Terrible loss of two quiet warriors... I pray for their families and friends they leave behind.

Response by SMSgt David Zobel made Aug 5 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-08-05T20:47:36-04:00

Death by mishap seems so senseless, but, harm's way is not always hostile fire. Important lessons are often learned from these things and, if so in this instance, it could be said they gave themselves to save others from the same fate. Bless them and their memory.

Response by SSgt John Wagner made Aug 6 at 2015 2:06 AM

2015-08-06T02:06:30-04:00

Rest in peace. We have it from here.

Response by A1C William Puckett made Aug 7 at 2015 6:36 AM

2015-08-07T06:36:10-04:00

Rest In Peace