Nellis honors lives, service of fallen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Charles Ramey
  • Nellis Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  One was ROTC standout who passed up an offer to become an Air Force pilot in order to save lives. The other was a selfless individual who devoted his time, talents and energy to teaching his fellow Airmen to be the best. Both were leaders, mentors and friends who embodied the Air Force Rescue Community's motto "these things we do, that others may live."

More than 1,000 people gathered at Nellis Air Force Base June 18 to remember the lives and service of 1st Lt. Joel Gentz, 25, a combat rescue officer assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron; and Staff Sgt. David Smith, 26, a helicopter flight engineer assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron. Both Airmen were among four killed and three wounded when an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in southeastern Afghanistan June 9.

Inside the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds hangar with a large American flag and HH-60G as the backdrop, commanders and friends shared fond memories of their fellow Airmen.

"I like this place," said Lt. Col. Andrew Reisenweber, commander of the 58th Rescue Squadron. "It's appropriate that we gather here in this hangar on the flightline to honor our two fallen heroes, because it's here, and in the hills and skies nearby, where man and machine are assembled to prepare for the mission of combat search and rescue. "

Colonel Reisenweber went on to describe how Lieutenant Gentz was a well respected young officer with an unforgettable smile and love for the outdoors, life, and most importantly, his wife Kathryn. He also described how the lieutenant led from the front, outpacing his comrades on unit runs, but always circling back without slowing down to help his wingmen cross the finish line. And how, with hundreds of pounds of gear, Lieutenant Gentz stood at the back of the aircraft during every parachute jump, fist-bumping his teammates as they exited the aircraft.

"Living our motto not only requires a repertoire of skills, but compassion," Colonel Reisenweber said. "I am sure Joel's smile, touch and gentle demeanor offered comfort during all his missions, whether it was a wounded Marine or a small Afghan child that understood no English. Lieutenant Gentz' mission was saving lives, but he was also a warrior and this country's sword and shield."

Sergeant Smith was remembered by his commander for his heroic actions over his seven-year career, including performing a tricky hoist to save two surfers off the coast of Okinawa, Japan; delivering relief supplies to Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka; and heroism in Afghanistan.

"Dave is credited with saving more than 130 lives around the world, including 120 over the past three months while deployed to Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Thomas Dorl, commander of the 66th Rescue Squadron. "In one day, he was key in saving 40 people during the largest single mass casualty mission in Regional Command South. This was no small feat as Dave braved enemy action and entered the landing zone three times to save people who did not even know. "

According to Col. Gary Henderson, commander of the 23rd Wing, combat rescue has a long history in the U.S. military, and rescue crews have built a legacy of courage and bravery in tough situations.

"Knowing what our rescue Airmen are accomplishing in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa, I'm thoroughly convinced that today is the new heyday for rescue," Colonel Henderson said. "The scope and pace of today's operations surpass those of Vietnam, and our success is due in large part to the efforts of courageous Airmen like Lieutenant Gentz and Sergeant Smith. This year, from January to June, U.S. Air Force combat search and rescue units have saved 685 lives, including U.S. military, coalition partners and numerous civilians in the theater of operations. Our Airmen are very well known and respected among our allies and partners for their amazing response when the chips are down.

"The Legacy of Joel Gentz and Dave Smith will continue to live on in those lives they touched--from the children of the anonymous Marine whose life they saved, to the pararescumen and aviators they mentored," Colonel Henderson continued. "They answered a calling to serve others-- not just other Americans, but any soul that's troubled and needs assistance. They realized that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and that putting their lives on the line for their fellow man was not only an honorable thing to do, but something they were driven to do. It's this kind of dedication that makes the combat rescue the noblest of missions."