Altus Air Force Base Airman dies while deployed to Afghanistan

15 Nov 2010 |

A staff sergeant assigned to the 97th Communications Squadron here but deployed as a member of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Nuristan, Afghanistan, was pronounced dead at approximately 11 a.m. Nov. 12.

Staff Sgt. Andrew S. Bubacz passed away after sustaining head injuries while maintaining a communications tower at a forward operating base in Afghanistan.

Emergency crews responded and Sergeant Bubacz was transported to the hospital at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation into the cause of his death is ongoing.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to Sergeant Bubacz's family, as well as to all of his friends and co-workers here at the Mighty 97th," said Col. Ty Thomas, the 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This is a sad day for us. Andrew was a great Airman and we will miss him dearly."

Flags at the base will remain at half-staff in honor of Sergeant Bubacz until memorial services are complete. Detailed information regarding memorial services and where to send contributions in his memory will be released as it becomes available.

(Courtesy of the 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office)