Air Force leaders express condolences following Kabul shooting

News > Air Force leaders express condolences following Kabul shooting

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Air Force leaders express condolences following Kabul shooting

Posted 4/28/2011

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4/28/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials confirmed April 28 that eight Airmen were killed April 27 at the Kabul International Airport.

The Airmen were part of a NATO team training and advising the Afghan Air Force.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy released the following statement:

"The entire Air Force family is saddened by this loss and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these brave Airmen.

"The Air Force stands ready to support the families as they recover from this tragedy. The pain the families feel is shared across the entire Air Force.

"The Airmen we lost personified the Air Force's core values of integrity, service and excellence. We honor the service and dedication of these brave Airmen and remain firm in our resolve to carry on our mission."

The names of the deceased are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin.

Comments

5/4/2011 12:00:47 AM ET
All I know is that I want my little brother Lt. Col. Frank Bryant Jr. back. This just simply doesn't feel right and it hurts so badly...........................

ABWhitworth, Morristown TN

5/3/2011 4:47:52 PM ET
Lost for words of the loss of friends that I served with such a short time ago. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones.

Tinch, FL

5/2/2011 10:48:27 AM ET
My heart goes out to the families. However, as I'm just returning from Afghanistan, it is unfortunate in itself that many things we do are at least perceived they are to win the hearts and minds of the locals, putting our service members in harm's way that they are not even able to protect themselves because of the ROE. When being outside the wire and seeing locals carrying RGPs or various other weapon and not being able to take action because at that moment they are not a direct threat is costing the lives of our service-members. Our leaders need to fight to change the ROE so that our military members are able to perform how trained and not wait to be attacked, allowing good people to die in vain.

Link, Keesler

5/1/2011 1:41:48 PM ET
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these airmen. What a tragedy. May the Lord cover the families with His love during this difficult time. God Bless

SSgt Garrett Bullington 81SFS, Keesler AFB MS

5/1/2011 3:08:13 AM ET
My prayers and thoughts go out to the families and friends. May they be with God.

TSgt , Aviano AB Italy

5/1/2011 2:43:03 AM ET
This incident and others like it are just flat out unacceptable. I'm flat out disgusted with how our leaders are handling it all. I think we can all agree it is time for us to get out of the Sandbox and focus on our own affairs back in the U.S. This incident in particular touches home for me because I knew one of the victims personally. Not saying I have all of the answers but something has to give...

WX Guy, Germany

5/1/2011 1:00:45 AM ET
My prayers go out to these fallen AIRMEN's family, friends, and loved ones, and we should all show our support for our fallen brothers and sisters.

Ret. CCM , kadena afb

4/30/2011 7:07:54 AM ET
First of all, let me also recognize our young airman from Travis for showing us all where our focus should be on the families of the deceased. My heart too reaches out to them in this time of loss this was a terrible terrible tragedy. Secondly, let's remember that irrespective of our personal and political opinions our civilian and military leadership has decided that we still have a job to do in Afghanistan and in partnership with the Afgahn people government and military. Don't let the actions of an incredibly minute group of individuals taint our impression of an entire culture or population it's very easy for a mob mentality to form over sensational headlines--don't give in to that temptation. We who are deployed here have seen the ugly consequences of this the actions of one extremist American pretending to exercise his free speech by burning a Quran provides the fodder for the masses to be whipped up against us. Our talking point to the Afghan people is my talkin

Col Aleman, Bagram Airfield AFG

4/30/2011 6:51:18 AM ET
we need to focus on solving the problem and not on blaming the what if's.1. No military uniforms on until your on the ground and on the military base.2. arm the indiduals give them training on the weapon they carry regardless of their job3. no more international airports no public transportation. only use government material i.e. aircraft and landing specifically on airforce installations.its hard to fight the war if we arnt even getting there.

SrA Drazic, McChord AFB

4/30/2011 2:42:53 AM ET
My sincere condolences go out to the families and friends to the service members that lost their lives behind this tragic event. My thoughts on the matter is when does this end We are at war with a very unpredictable and faceless enemy since the early 90's. The majority of our newest enlistee's were just being born. At some point a solution must be presented. This isn't about BushObama Republicans vs. Democrats nor Christians vs. Muslims. The issue is not war and peace rather how best to preserve our freedom and interest. It was once said that fear of war is worse than war itself. Well how many souls must we sacrifice before we realize that we need a solution. If I can train my dog to sit and stay in 3 months my daughter to walk in less than 2 yrs a fighter pilot in less than 3 years how come we as the U.S. cannot train a core of a countries police forcemilitary to protect and defend their own country in 8 years Unfortunately the lives lost in this incident wont be ...

SSgt Smith, Ramstein AFB GE

4/30/2011 2:04:29 AM ET
To RMA SA, In a time like this you want to really act like youre tougher just because you are in the Army or Marines. Yes most Airman are not ground pounders but we do get the necessary training for the Air Advisor positions. Dont hate the Air Force just because you couldnt score high enough on the ASVAB. We are all one team and all have our jobs to do for this country. These Airmen more than likely volunteered for these hardship duty positions. Just like I have so I can be closer to my family when I return. God Bless these Airman.

Future Advisor in Dec, Charleston

4/29/2011 9:33:50 PM ET
R.I.P.

K Millette, Florida

4/29/2011 5:25:47 PM ET
Like Rob I worked side by side with several of these Airman that have given the ultimate sacrifice. It has affected me deeply. I do have my opinions on what's going on over there but I will be keeping those to myself. My heart and prayers to those affected by this tragic loss.

Chouinard, Illinois

4/29/2011 4:43:13 PM ET
This is not the first incident to happen to the USAF. In Jul 2007 the same thing happened in Herat to MSgt Gillespie.

D S, Hawaii

4/29/2011 4:36:18 PM ET
May god bless them and their families

A1C, Eglin AFB

4/29/2011 4:16:30 PM ET
SrA BMET, thank you for setting us all straight and reminding us where our focus should be.

RMA, SA

4/29/2011 3:30:37 PM ET
I have to say this is quite sad. But didn't this same thing happen to AF members in Germany? Does the AF arm its people? I realize that the AF does not fight per se but don't they go through weapons training of some sort, especially in a hostile place? Semper Fi

shawn sullivan, evergreen alabama

4/29/2011 1:41:50 PM ET
So I am mostly just wondering why everyone is so concerned with the politics of this. We just had 8 members of our U.S. military family killed. Stop worrying about what we should do now and maybe worry about how you could help give the families support and compassion once they release the names. Maybe that's a little more important than the rest of the 'oh well we should do this and that.' None of us are in charge of making the decisions and therefore your opinions on what we should do are irrelevent. I am not a religious or praying man but my thoughts and condolences go to the families of those lost. They were all someone's son, daughter, father, mother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle and family to all of us who serve and have served.

SrA BMET, Travis AFB

4/29/2011 1:29:27 PM ET
I just redeployed from Afghanistan this month and I can tell you that this kind of hostility is not an isolated incident. The Afghan people do not want us there. They do not like us. They do not like the people in the next village over. They are content with living as feuding tribes. It's time for us to leave.

Capt, Ellsworth AFB

4/29/2011 1:01:33 PM ET
To shawn, evergreen, alabama, the AF does train in weapons. Not much but certainly before deployments. The Germany incident you referenced was at an international airport. They obliviously weren't armed there. A Marine or soldier wouldn't be either. As for Kabul Airport, this doesn't pass the smell test. Everyone beside the contractor should have been armed with at least an M9. While I was there over a year ago, no Afghans had firearms. My point is, either someone wasn't watching their weapon or this guy wasn't searched. I don't care what Uncle Sam says, all U.S. personnel there should know these guys aren't our allies. For this guy to kill 9 personnel is ridiculous. Be vigilant!

Jay, Eglin AFB

4/29/2011 12:51:37 PM ET
Rob and Buffie, those were our friends that we left such a short time ago and we know what the ROE was while we were there. Can only hope that they were different for these advisors. I know them and wish their families the best. All of us were armed and trained properly to do that job. The Air Force is a fighting force. It's a tragic event, just a shame...

Troy, McChord AFB

4/29/2011 12:45:27 PM ET
Condolences to all those lost. Day in and day out we train and fight but its hard to prepare for something like this. In response to Shawn from Evergreen, Alabama, the Air Force does train all members how to shoot and use a weapon prior to any deployment downrange. They are called Combat Arms Instructors and I am proud to be one of those. It is my job to ensure that all personnel whether Security Forces, OSI, Services, Supply, or Medical, get the proper training on whatever weapon specific to their deployment. Training includes everything from basic functions to break down, reassembly, and even the fundamentals of firing. I instruct students on the proper wear of the gas mask while firing as well as any body armor, helmets, holsters, gear, etc that they will use while down range. The individuals who engaged insurgents in Bagram sat in my classroom prior to going downrange. I teach every individual the same. I don't differentiate between Cops and Base Populous.

SSgt USAF, NJ

4/29/2011 12:42:38 PM ET
@Shawn, the AF is not a fighting service. Give me a break. When I was in Iraq I lost count of how many EOD, SF, and other Airmen we lost doing Army and Marine taskings. Yes, we train with weapons and I'll meet you on the firing range any day. Sorry, but you offended.

RMA, SA

4/29/2011 12:14:45 PM ET
HP from NJ, how can you say that this is an isolated incident when we lost an AFSOC Airman less than a year ago when an Afghan troop open fired and killed him? Seems more like a trend right now, I think. Lt. Col. Phillips, well said, Sir. SSgt SWA, how was what the Lt. Col. said unprofessional? Maybe it's time for you to put your Big Boy pants on.

SrA, AF Sepcial Ops CM Hurlburt Field Fal

4/29/2011 11:27:58 AM ET
Don't lose sight of the fact this very same type event occurred at Ft. Hood not long ago. It can happen right at home, right in our own military. Always remain Vigilant!

FTRPLT, Fort Leavenworth

4/29/2011 11:14:15 AM ET
I concur with all comments. We need to swallow our pride and admit that the Afghans do not have our best interests or theirs in mind. These killers don't care who they murder. It's sad that we are paying this kind of price. Time to get out and concentrate on getting OUR country back on it's feet.

REM Capt USAF, Illinois

4/29/2011 10:28:22 AM ET
What happened now is NOT the first time. We are dealing with a very controversial people and we must take precautions ASAP or get out. On the other hand, we are at WAR. War is war and when we go to war it is in order to WIN. We can't give flowers to our enemies.

R. Hernandez-Baquero, Sanford Florida

4/29/2011 9:05:19 AM ET
This kind of response from an Afghan who already has an ego bigger than life should not be unexpected. They despise being criticized or having to accept suggestions. Our problem is failing to recognize how unstable and volatile most of those Afghans in leadership positions are. Our response to this ought to be to never let any of our military be around when they are armed unless we have someone whose job is to watch every move they make when in the presence of a U.S. Government representative, of which a military member is one. Arming them and having them walk beside or behind is a matter of trust, and right now if I were leading a unit I'd be making sure not to put my troops in a position where I have to totally depend upon or trust any senior Afghan officer. Just ask the Soviets.

Colonelphoenix, Phoenix AZ

4/29/2011 8:48:19 AM ET
This is exactly why, when I served as an advisor to the newly forming Iraqi AF, we didn't issue them weapons. A tragic and terrible loss and completely avoidable.

Yankee India, CONUS

4/29/2011 7:56:06 AM ET
First, I do not want to offend anyone. But does the AF train with weapons? They seem lose people in large killings. The Germany loss and the Kabul loss. Are they not armed? I know they are not a fighting service but they should at least be taught how to use a weapon in a war zone. SEMPER FI

shawn, evergreen alabama

4/29/2011 7:48:10 AM ET
Lt. Col., I would hope that in your future comments regarding our nation and its military actions you would reserve your personal opinions about what our elected officials and command have decided. As a Lt. Col., I am sure you have commanded many troops who felt that what they were doing was wrong but the morale of the mission is the winning force. Please keep in mind that although retired, your commisioned rank still holds the respect of those here after you.

SSgt USAF, Undisclosed SWA

4/29/2011 12:52:17 AM ET
Lt.Col. Phillips, we experienced the same thing in the U.S. well before this incident in Afghanistan. Heck, high schools experienced it a decade ago. One bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch...or should we pull out of Fort Hood and Columbine too?

PN, MA

4/28/2011 10:56:35 PM ET
Here is a quote from National Journal: "Afghan President Hamid Karzai who also decried the violence ordered an investigation into the incident the coalition said. ISAF is already working closely with our Afghan partners to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident," said Rear Adm. Hal Pittman, senior ISAF spokesman. We have to do what we can to counter these tactics...

A Sanders, OEF

4/28/2011 10:41:27 PM ET
The situation the Airmen faced at Kabul is not unlike that which we faced in Korea in 1950-'51. In 1950 eight or nine Airmen at PoHang-Dong were guned down by two Korean women using burp guns before they could be killed. We must always deal with the possiblity of such situations and always be on guard against the unexpected. My prayers for their families and fellow Airmen are being offered even as we write. May the Lord grant them entrance into His heaven.

James S. Allen SAOSI Retired, Water Valley MS 38965

4/28/2011 9:12:18 PM ET
Lt. Col. Phillips, one of our own opened fire in Texas and we didn't sanction the Army. It seems that in most of these situations there are few indications that the individual would 'snap'. I think this is an isolated incident and we should carry on.

HP, NJ

4/28/2011 8:56:52 PM ET
I must concur that this is indicative of a larger problem that is present throughout Afghanistan. However, we can't just look toward Afghanistan. What about the number of coalition military members who endure the hardships of war, suffer the ill effects of extended combat tours, and come back to loving families only to be unable to cope with the stresses of everyday life and become unfortunate statistics. Combat or the stress that comes with long periods in combat zones invariably damages or at least signfigantly affects the psyche of an individual. I don't believe it is a case of being unable to trust our Afghan partners but a sign of the stress that years of war has placed on the men women and families within the country.

Eric Ethridge SSgt USAF, Kabul Afghanistan

4/28/2011 8:45:53 PM ET
First of all condolences to all involved. It is still very early and details are limited but I just hope this is not another case of Air Force personnel not being allow to carry weapons while in a combat zone. Too many times I felt that leadership would needlessly and negligently restrict the Airman from being able to protect themselves even while on a base.

Joe Cross, Fairfield CA

4/28/2011 6:10:19 PM ET
To say I am at a loss for words is an understatement. Two weeks ago I was working side by side with these Airmen. My love, heart and soul go out to all the military members, the entire AEW, and their families. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Rob Lupton TSgt, Grand Forks AFB ND

4/28/2011 5:39:48 PM ET
I am still looking forward to my position doing what those Airmen were doing at the Airport. But I can't help but wonder why should I risk my life to teach these guys how to do my job if in the end they are just going to take my or my fellow Airman's life? Additionally, people here ask me why I'm going, especially after this tragedy. My response...job security. As bad as it sounds, I'm fighting the people my dad trained and now I'm going to train my future enemies. Job security? A harsh reality. My finger will be extra close to that trigger when I land. Much love for my fallen AF brothers.

Future Advisor, TBD...

4/28/2011 5:16:40 PM ET
My heart goes out to all the families effected by this tragedy ... and the air advisors left to sort out the future ... a nearly impossible task if you can't trust.

Bill Ott, Robins AFB

4/28/2011 4:39:57 PM ET
One gains experience by learning from their mistakes. One gains wisdom by learning from others mistakes. Our leaders have failed to grasp this concept. What can we do that the British and Soviets couldn't do? We are dealing with thousands of years of tribal rule. We are never going to change them. Bring our folks home now.

Gene Roche MSgt USAF Ret, San Antonio TX

4/28/2011 4:09:03 PM ET
This is a Holy War and Radical Islamists are the enemy. Doesn't matter what country you are from or what country you are deployed to. Non-Muslims are all in danger. With religion you do not know who your friends or enemies are. This is heart breaking.

Jeff, Colorado Springs

4/28/2011 3:13:40 PM ET
Lt Col Phillips, you are spot on. And yet our military and political leaders continuously bend over backwards to apologize for collateral damage when apparent Afghan civilians are killed during our airstrikes. Come on Mr. Karzai, how about reciprocating. Perhaps we should learn from the British and Soviets and cut our losses. Approaching 10 years, this is a no-win mission.

CP, COS CO

4/28/2011 2:37:17 PM ET
My heart and thoughts are with all the families of these impecabble Americans and my fellow advisors who must still carry on that very difficult and unique mission. I hope this brings the clarity to our leaders to focus on the safety of our Airmen first then the business at hand.

Buffie Verhagen, Robins AFB

4/28/2011 1:49:19 PM ET
This is a further indication of a huge problem. How do you have allies where you worry that one will pull out a weapon and start shooting? Indications are that the Afghan was an experienced pilot, not a sleeper for the Taliban, and we had few indications that he might be unstable. Too many Afghans have killed NATO and other allied folks; we are not able to trust them. We should get them on their feet and pull out. We also cannot allow them systems like the F-16, only cargo aircraft.

Charles D Phillips LtCol USAF Ret, Houston Texas

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