JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Majors Michael Freyholtz
and Aaron Malone, pilots assigned to the Alaska Air National Guard's 249th
Airlift Squadron, Capt. Jeffrey Hill, a pilot assigned to Elmendorf's 517th
Airlift Squadron, and Master Sgt. Thomas Cicardo, a loadmaster with the 249th
Airlift Squadron, were killed in the C-17 crash on Elmendorf July 28.
"We come to work with immense sorrow after four of our fellow Airmen lost
their lives in the C-17 crash at Elmendorf AFB Wednesday," said Brig. Gen.
Charles E. "Chuck" Foster, commander of the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th
Wing. "They were more than valued Airmen: They were our teammates, friends,
family members and fellow Alaskans. We mourn their loss and share the deep
sadness of their families."
"These fallen warriors embodied the pride and professionalism of American
Airmen," said Col. John McMullen, 3rd Wing commander. "They selflessly served
their country and will be sorely missed by our entire Arctic Warrior family."
A board of officers will investigate the accident.