The Cost Of Freedom Remains High...

Nine Airmen were killed in an MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft crash in Albania on March 31, Special Operations Command Europe officials announced April 4. The Airmen were supporting a joint training mission with the Albanian military.

They are:

• Capt. Todd Bracy, 34, of Murphysboro, Ill.
• Capt. James Cronin, 32, of Oak Grove Village, Ill.
• Capt. Gil Williamson, 31, of Dike, Texas.
• Capt. Surender Kothakota, 30, of Fayetteville, N.C.
• 1st Lt. Ray Owens Jr., 32, of Birmingham, Ala.
• Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence Gray, 40, of Chester, S.C.
• Tech. Sgt. James Henry, 30, of Valparaiso, Fla.
• Tech. Sgt. Glenn Lastes, 39, of Southington, Conn.
• Staff Sgt. Patrick Pentico, 22, of Hanksville, Utah.

Eight of the Airmen were assigned to the 7th Special Operations Squadron, and Sergeant Lastes was assigned to Detachment 2, 25th Intelligence Operations Squadron.

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of these brave young Airmen," said Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Csrnko, commander of Special Operations Command Europe. "We all share in the sorrow and pain of their loss. We will not forget their sacrifice, and we stand ready to support their families at this difficult time."

A board of officers is investigating the incident.

FMI: www.af.mil