SrA. Michael. J. Buras, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist from Fitzgerald, Ga., has died of wounds from an improvised explosive device detonation in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced Wednesday. He died on Tuesday at age 23. “Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and fellow airmen affected by the loss of Airman Buras.” said Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, commander of the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev., Buras’ home unit. McCloud called Buras “a dedicated professional and a true patriot” who “will be sorely missed.” Two other airmen from the unit were injured during the incident and were receiving medical care at Kandahar Airfield, according to Nellis officials. WALB, a TV news station in southern Georgia, reported that Buras was in a truck traveling in a convoy when the bomb went off, citing Buras’ family members. (Nellis release) (Our initial coverage)
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.
