Altus Air Force Base Airman dies while deployed to Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By 97th Air Mobility Wing
  • Public Affairs office
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A staff sergeant assigned to the 97th Communications Squadron but deployed as a member of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Nuristan, Afghanistan was pronounced dead at approximately 11 a.m. Nov. 12.

Staff Sgt. Andrew S. Bubacz (prounounced "Boo-bah-tch") passed away after sustaining head injuries while maintaining a communications tower at a forward operating base in Afghanistan.

Emergency crews responded and Sergeant Bubacz was transported to the hospital at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation into the cause of his death is ongoing.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to Sergeant Bubacz's family, as well as to all of his friends and co-workers here at the Mighty 97th," said Col. Ty Thomas, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This is a sad day for us. Andrew was a great Airman and we will miss him dearly."

Flags at the base will remain at half-staff in honor of Staff Sgt. Bubacz until memorial services are complete. Detailed information regarding memorial services and where to send contributions in his memory will be released as it becomes available.