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AFSOC Airman killed in helicopter crash

  • Published
  • By AFSOC News Service
Hurlburt Field, Florida --  Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M. was killed in a MH-47 helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Sunday.

Of the 22 coalition personnel on board Sergeant Duffman and seven others were killed while 14 were injured when the helicopter crashed. They were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to a coalition press release the helicopter pilot reported a sudden loss of power and control just prior to the crash.

Sergeant Duffman, a pararescueman, was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. The 24th STS falls under the 720th Special Tactics Group, a unit of Air Force Special Operations Command here.

"Scott Duffman was an exceptional pararescueman, friend, husband and father. He loved his profession and loved his family," said Lt. Col. Robert Armfield, Commander of 24th Special Tactics Squadron. "Losing him is a tragedy but we are all consoled by the fact that he died strong, doing what he loved: going into harm's way so others may live."

Sergeant Duffman was born on August 14, 1974 and spent the majority of his childhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following his graduation from La Cueva High School, Scott joined the Air Force in October 1992 and completed a series of challenging training schools earning him the maroon beret of an Air Force pararescueman.

Sergeant Duffman served as a pararescueman in a number of units including the 56th Rescue Squadron in Keflavik, Iceland and the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron before being assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron in April, 2001.

Sergeant Duffman is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and two devices, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with two devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three devices and the Air Force Achievement Medal with two devices.

Sergeant Duffman leaves behind his wife Mary and 6-month old daughter Sophia.

A private memorial service is planned for Thursday March 1 at 1 p.m. at Pope.