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Nellis Remembers Fallen Airman
(October 22, 2010) |
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|  NELLIS
AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (10/20/2010 - AFNS) -- For more than
200 years, individuals have volunteered to serve in the U.S.
military. Since 2001 more than 1,200 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 1,200 servicemembers was Senior Airman Michael
Buras, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, who died
Sept. 21 of wounds incurred during 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 |
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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 by Senior Airman Brett Clashman |
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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." |
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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." | |
By Senior Airman Michael Charles
99 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Air Force News
Service
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