6/11/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Defense officials announced June 9 the deaths of four Airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died June 9, near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan, in a helicopter crash.

Killed were:

--Staff Sgt. Michael P. Flores, 31, of San Antonio, Texas, assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

--1st Lt. Joel C. Gentz, 25, of Grass Lake, Mich., assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.

--Staff Sgt. David C. Smith, 26, of Eight Mile, Ala., assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB.

--Senior Airman Benjamin D. White, 24, of Erwin, Tenn., assigned to the 48th RQS, Davis-Monthan AFB.

Mike Flores and Ben White were PJs, Joel Gentz was a CRO, Dave Smith was a FE. Joel is the first CRO to be killed during combat or training...a sad milestone for the CRO careerfield. I was stationed with Mike in Okinawa.

The pilot, co-pilot, and AG survived.

The other part of this tragic event is the three PJ's on the second aircraft in the mission formation sortie saved the lives of the pilot, co-pilot and AG. Undoubtedly risked their lives and tried to get everybody from the burning wreckage even while the hostile threat was still in the area.

Joel Gentz was the best of the best, took care of his troops, always the positive leader, truely a pleasure to be around. He will be missed, the career field has suffered a terrible loss with his passing.

Ben White was a hard working young man from the country. With his southern drawl and motivation, he was very easy to have around.

Hadn't had the pleasure of meeting the other gents on the crew but I'm sure they were just as quality lads. Keep them all in your thoughts. God's speed gentlemen.

Pararescue Memorial Ceremony