The Pentagon released the names of two Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agents killed in Iraq June 5—TSgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, and SSgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25. The two were traveling in a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device near Kirkuk. An Air Force release stated that Balmer of Mishawaka, Ind., deployed to Iraq from Hill AFB, Utah, and Kuglics of North Canton, Ohio, deployed from Lackland AFB, Tex. Balmer is the fourth airman from Hill to die in Iraq this year.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
