Academy graduate killed in IED attack near Baghdad

Published Sept. 10, 2009

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Department of Defense officials announced Sept. 9, 2009, the death of a MacDill Airman assigned to the 6th Air Mobility Wing who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Joseph Helton, 24, of Monroe, Ga., died Sept. 8, near Baghdad of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill AFB, Fla.

Lieutenant Helton, a member of the Air Force Academy class of 2007, is the 11th Academy graduate to die in combat since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

"We'd like to express our deepest sympathy to family, friends and comrades of Lieutenant Joe Helton for their recent loss," said Col. Lawrence Martin, 6th AMW commander. "Joe was an amazing Airman and defender who volunteered to lead our best in Iraq. We are deeply saddened by his loss and very proud of his service."

Lieutenant Helton is the fourth 6th AMW member killed in action since Sept. 11, 2001.