091710 SrA James Hansen Memorial

091710 SrA James Hansen Memorial

One of the main jobs of the military here is to blow up old ordnance and recovered IEDs.  The AF and Army goes out off the base here with IAF (Iraqi Army Forces) and this stuff is brought back on base to be disposed of via controlled detonations.  The controlled detonations occur about 2-3 times a week and there is announcement beforehand that such is about to take place.  Newbies here rarely seem to hear the announcement though and react to the big booms as incoming mortar round.  Generally the controlled detonations go off without a hitch.  But routine leads to complacency.  Such is probably what happened the other day when the email below was received.

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JBB,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the loss of Senior Airman

James Hansen, an airfield manager with the 332 EOSS. James died in an

explosion Wednesday morning during an ordnance disposal operation which also

seriously injured one Soldier.

Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family, friends,

and co-workers during this difficult time.

The memorial service for Senior Airman Hansen will be held at MWR East on

Sunday, 19 September at 1500.

CRAIG A. FRANKLIN, Maj Gen, USAF

Commander, 332 AEW

Joint Base Balad, Iraq

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R/Chris