The three airmen killed Jan. 7 by an improvised explosive device in the Baghdad area were TSgt. Timothy R. Weiner, 35, of Tamarac, Fla.; SrA. Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, of New Castle, Del.; and SrA. Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, from Galesburg, Ill. All three were explosive ordnance disposal airmen deployed to Iraq from Hill AFB, Utah. A Pentagon statement on Tuesday did not identify the fourth airman who was injured. A release from Hill Air Force Base noted that Weiner had entered the service in 1960; Loncki in 2003; and Miller in 2004. The base plans a memorial service on Jan. 12.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.