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Hurlburt Airman killed in crash

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Hurlburt Commandos and family members gathered Oct. 24, to remember the life of Senior Airman Caleb Blake. 

He lost his life in an automobile accident Oct. 14. 

Airman Blake, a 21-year-old Tahlequah, Okla., native, was an instruments and flight control systems specialist with the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. 

"With almost three years in the Air Force, Caleb's records aren't that lengthy and on the surface they reflect a young man growing into his own," said Lt. Col. Rene Leon, 1 SOAMXS commander. "But you could see in them, and in him, that he was learning more than just the technical aspects of his job. He was learning, and had learned, to be an Airman." 

Airman Blake had recently become fully qualified in his trade aboard the AC-130U gunship and was two weeks shy of joining his unit on its deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

In addition to his job responsibilities, Airman Blake embodied the whole person concept. 

He was a frequent contributor in unit fundraisers and volunteered in the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program. 

Colonel Leon said Airman Blake had taken responsibility in the past for the safety of at least twelve Airmen, ensuring they all arrived at their various destinations safely. 

"I can honestly say Airman Blake was one of our hardest workers," said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Brenneise, 4 AMU. "He never questioned directions given to him and always gave 110 percent." 

"He made a difference in this world," Colonel Leon said. "He was an Air Commando and a part of something bigger than himself...a part of our great heritage. The fact that he was a part of the greatest Air Force in the world will never diminish over time. " 

Airman Blake is survived by his father and mother Daniel and Rebecca Blake and brothers and sister Daniel, Timothy, Curtis, Paul and Suzanne.