The four servicemen who died in the crash, according to the Associated Press  were, Capt. Ryan P. Hall, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the 319th Special Operations Squadron; Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 29, of Newnan, Georgia, with the 34th Special Operations Squadron; 1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens, 26, of Bend, Oregon, with the 34th Special Operations Squadron; and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten, 26, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with the 25th Intelligence Squadron.

Hall was a U-28 pilot with more than 1,300 combat flight hours. He was assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Personal Footnote: In today’s politically correct, seemingly increasingly anti-religious society, not one writer has offered up a thank you, or any form of condolences to the families and loved ones of these fine, brave men who have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom. For this citizen journalist, that is simply unacceptable. I,d like to offer up my personal condolences, gratitude and heartfelt prayers for all of you that have lost a loved one in this tragedy.