Class 09-05 graduate killed in MC-12 crash April 27

Published May 9, 2013
By Staff Sgt. James Bolinger
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A former Vance student was killed when an MC-12 crashed near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, April 27 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Brandon L. Cyr, 28, graduated in class 09-05 from Vance and is from Woodbridge, Va. He was deployed from the 906th Air Refueling Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Other deceased Airmen are:

Staff Sgt. Richard A. Dickson, 24, of Rancho Cordova, Calif. He was assigned to the 306th Intelligence Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

Staff Sgt. Daniel N. Fannin, 30, of Morehead, Ky. He was assigned to the 552nd Operations Support Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

Capt. Reid K. Nishizuka, 30, of Kailua, Hawaii. He was assigned to the 427th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

"Team Vance grieves at the loss of these brave and willing Airmen," said Col. James Abatti, the 71st Operations Group commander. "It is because of these young Airmen and those who serve with them that we continue to enjoy our daily freedoms and peace of mind."

The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash.

(Editor's Note: Some information for this article was provided by the Air Force News Service)