Combat Controller Killed in Afghanistan

SrA. Daniel R. Sanchez, a combat controller assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., died last week from wounds incurred during combat operations in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced. According to press reports, Sanchez was shot in a firefight. The El Paso, Tex., native died on Sept. 16; he was 23. “This terrible loss is evidence of the ultimate sacrifice our men in the Air Force Special Operations Command make to protect our country and our way of life,” said Maj. Chris Larkin, commander of Sanchez’s unit, in a statement issued by Hurlburt. He continued, “Danny was a fine airman and a valuable member of our close community and he will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies go out to the Sanchez family.” (DOD release) (See our initial coverage.) (See also El Paso Times report and Northwest Florida Daily News report.)