Air Force Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of three airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  

They died Jan. 5 in Shir ghazi, Helmand province, Afghanistan, when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, 23, of Erie, Pa.  He was assigned to the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.  For more information media may contact the Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing public affairs office at 318-456-3309.

Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, 34, of Traverse City, Mich.  He was assigned to the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron, FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.  For more information media may contact the Air Force 90th Missile Wing public affairs office at 307-630-3908.

Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, 24, of Westminster, Md.  He was assigned to the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.  For more information media may contact the Air Force 21st Space Wing public affairs office at 719-556-5185.