Airman Killed in Afghanistan

Base officials from Hill Air Force base (Utah) announced Friday (May 27, 2011), the death of Sgt. Kristoff M. Solesbee of Citrus Heights, CA., an airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Solesbee, 32, was assigned to the 775th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight and died May 26 in the Shorabak district of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit.

Solesbee's supervisor, Sgt. Steve Hellenbeck is not at liberty to discuss the details of the mission, but said that Solesbee was energetic and quick-witted. He also concluded that Solesbee was on an operation to clear a weapons cache.

"His sacrifice and service are not forgotten and he will be greatly missed."
There is high praise for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. It is one of the most dangerous assignments, but also saves many lives.

"They've really gone through some tough times. They're resilient. They're very proud of their mission and again, every day they serve with the mindset of 'we are here to save lives.' When they get hit by an (improvised explosive device), the first thing they want to do is get right back in the fight to keep saving lives."