The Air Force announced Sept. 14 that SSgt. Bryan D. Berky of Melrose, Fla., died Sept. 12 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds he sustained from enemy fire during combat operations. Berky had deployed to Afghanistan from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. According to a report by the Rapid City Journal, Berky, 25, was one of three US military members killed in the action that continued for six to eight hours after an initial attack by some 50 Taliban insurgents. The Associated Press (via the Miami Herald) reports that Berky was an explosives ordnance disposal technician.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
