Improvised explosive device kills three Hill Airmen

Published Jan. 9, 2007
By 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Three Airmen from Hill were killed Jan. 7 by a car bomb while performing duties in the Baghdad area. The explosion also injured a fourth Airman not assigned to Hill.

The Airmen were assigned to the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. While in Iraq, the Airmen were members of the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron.

Killed were:
> Tech. Sergeant Timothy R. Weiner, 35, noncommissioned officer in charge of EOD operations, from Tamarack, Fla. He entered active duty Feb. 26, 1990.
> Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, EOD journeyman, from New Castle, Del. She entered the military March 11, 2003.
> Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, EOD apprentice, from Galesburg, Ill. He entered the service Jan. 13, 2004.

These Airmen are Hill's first killed-in-action in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command offered some words of comfort.

"Sergeant Weiner, Airman Loncki and Airman Miller gave their lives in the pursuit of the safety and security of this nation and the freedom and democracy of the Iraqi people," said Gen. Bruce Carlson. "Their great sacrifice will not be forgotten. The men and women of AFMC will hold them and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. We also pray for the recovery of the wounded Airman who was with them."

"Speaking for everyone at Team Hill, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our three Airmen" said Maj. Gen. Kevin Sullivan, Ogden Air Logistics Center commander. "Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the families, friends, and co-workers of these brave Air Force heroes during this difficult period. Each of these Airmen was a highly valued member of our Air Force and their service to our nation will not be forgotten."

Col. Scott Chambers, 75th Air Base Wing commander, said, "The loss of these Airmen to Team Hill is a true tragedy to our organization, to our base and to the Air Force. Their commitment to the unit's mission and the Air Force was unparalleled -- they each were great patriots."

EOD specialists are trained to deal with various types of explosive devices. While at Hill, they engage in support to local civil authorities, support to the United States Secret Service, and rendering safe unexploded ordnance at the Utah Test and Training Range. In a deployed status, their specific job includes rendering munitions safe and maintaining safe passage for convoys on main and alternate supply routes.

Details regarding return of the remains or burial services are pending. A memorial service at Hill is scheduled for Jan. 12.