Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard members perform the flag-folding ceremony inside the base chapel during a memorial service for Senior Airman Michael Buras Oct. 15, 2010, at Nellis AFB, Nev. Airman Buras was an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron when he was killed in action while responding to a roadside bomb Sept. 21, 2010, in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)
Capt. Andrew Suh gives the invocation during Senior Airman Michael Buras' memorial service Oct. 15. Airman Buras was an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron when he was killed in action while responding to a roadside bomb Sept. 21, 2010, in Afghanistan.Captain Suh is the 99th Air Base Wing chaplain. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Rubi)
Hundreds of people gathered at the base chapel for a memorial service for Senior Airman Michael Buras Oct. 15, 2010, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Airman Buras was an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron when he was killed in action while responding to a roadside bomb Sept. 21, 2010, in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)
Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard members perform the flag-folding ceremony inside the base chapel during a memorial service for Senior Airman Michael Buras Oct. 15, 2010, at Nellis AFB, Nev. Airman Buras was an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron when he was killed in action while responding to a roadside bomb Sept. 21, 2010, in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Rubi)
by Senior Airman Michael Charles
99 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
10/20/2010 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- For more than 200 years, individuals have volunteered to serve in the U.S. military. Since 2001 more than 4,900 servicemembers have lost their lives in service to their country.
These members took an oath to protect the ideals and freedoms allotted to citizens by the U.S. Constitution and to help extend these freedoms to people from around the world.
One of those 4,992 servicemembers was Senior Airman Michael Buras, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, who died of wounds Sept. 21 from a roadside bomb detonation in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
More than 400 people attended a memorial service Oct. 15 here to pay their final respects to Airman Michael Buras, a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.
"Michael, to me, is truly unforgettable," said Senior Airman Joel Bomgaars. "There was truly no quit in him. I know Mikey will always be watching his family and EOD brethren from above and can confidently say that we will be safer with him always watching our back."
During the ceremony, members of the EOD team gave their testimony of how Airman Buras affected their lives and how he exhibited all the traits necessary to be considered a hero.
"I have a simple definition for hero: Senior Airman Michael Buras," said Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Airman Buras was a hero, not only because of his actions in both his first and second deployment, but also because he was a brother, friend, wingman, husband and father. He chose the calling of being in EOD, where the courageous run toward danger instead of running away from it. He will forever define the definition of hero."
Members of the EOD flight explained the impact Airman Buras had on each of their lives.
"No matter what you needed Mikey to do; he would do it," said Master Sgt. Kieran Flynn, the EOD section chief. "He had one thing that everyone wants but not everyone has and that is courage."
"Senior Airman Buras' energy and passion made a mark on me as (a) person," said Capt. Lee Turcotte, the EOD flight commander. "He eagerly put his life on the line to protect Afghan citizens and coalition and U.S. servicemembers. Michael epitomized the pride, dedication and willingness to sacrifice that Airmen should aspire to have."
During the ceremony, Airman Buras was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor medal, posthumously, as well as his second Purple Heart award.
Airman Buras was buried Oct. 6 at the national cemetery in Andersonville, Ga.
"The next time you hear somebody speak of service before self, having a warrior spirit or putting (the) mission first, think of Michael Buras," Captain Turcotte said. "Those concepts are not unachievable or abstract ideas; he lived and died by them. That is an American hero. We will do everything we can to live in the spirit he set for us."
Comments
10/22/2010 4:30:08 PM ET SrA Buras we thank you for your service to our great country and we will never forget your ultimate sacrific in defending us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. May you rest in peace.
Chief W--Retired, Tennessee Valley
10/22/2010 6:42:26 AM ET GOD bless SrA Buras for his sacrifice to our nation. Because of his ultimate sacrifice, it makes me strive that much more to protect and defend my country. Thank you for being brave. You are and always will be an AMERICAN HERO. I pray that GOD will be with the Buras family friends and co workers. Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In ALL We Do. Thank you and Rest In Peace, SrA Buras.
SrA Luckey, Langley AFB
10/21/2010 2:32:59 PM ET God Bless Airman Buras and his family.
SSgt G, Sheppard
10/21/2010 9:22:24 AM ET Rest In Peace Brother. Because of your sacrifice we enjoy the freedoms we have today.TSgt Lawton
MarkL, PA
10/20/2010 5:53:36 PM ET Another fallen warrior. This is the 3rd or 4th in the last couple of weeks. Thank you for your sacrifices to this great land and nation. You are a blessing to everyone. You have defended our nation with pride and selflessness. I know you are upstairs looking down on everyone. May God bless you your family and team Nellis during this difficult time.
