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Fallen Special Tactics Airman honored at memorial service

  • Published
  • By Matt Durham
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
Hurlburt Field, Fla. --  "He was a good man who died too soon," said Col. Jeff Volyes, Ft. Benning chief chaplain.

Volyes was speaking of Master Sgt. Joshua M. Gavulic, 34, a tactical air control party member assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron who died Feb. 21 during free fall proficiency training in Eloy, Ariz. The colonel made his comment during a memorial at the Ft. Benning Main Post Chapel where hundreds of teammates, friends and family gathered on a sunny afternoon Feb. 28 to honor the exceptional career of a warrior.

"Josh was a man you felt could do anything," said Maj. Ben Couchman, a 17th STS teammate. "He was never overwhelmed and he was inspirational."

Gavulic was a 16-year veteran with 10 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan where he earned three Bronze Star Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals with Valor and an Army Commendation Medal.

Air Force Special Operations Command TACPs with the 17th STS conduct joint special operations and are trained in multiple types of infiltration techniques, including parachute operations. Gavulic was a qualified jumpmaster. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

While the chapel was filled with special tactics teammates and Army Rangers there to pay respects to one of their own, there was particular emphasis on Josh Gavulic, the father and husband. He is survived by his wife and six children.

"We talked frequently of the responsibilities we hold as husbands and fathers," said Lt. Col. John Traxler, 17th STS commander. "Those were the roles he held most dear. I loved him for that, and he personified qualities I strived for."

As a TACP, Gavulic was an expert in planning and controlling air combat resources for joint operations. He was also proficient in operating and supervising communications networks to support ground maneuver elements.

As friends stepped forward at the memorial to share their experiences with "Gav," a clear picture formed of a man who made a lifelong impression.

"He gave 110 percent no matter what he did," said retired Master Sgt. Eric Brandenberg. "I don't care if you tell him to sweep the hallways, jump out of the airplanes. Whatever task you gave that kid, he'd give 110 percent."

"He was a tremendous warrior and American," said Traxler. "He believed above all he was to be an example to his children. Words are inadequate to describe our loss this day."

The service included the reciting of the Ranger Creed. Gavulic, a graduate of the Army's grueling Ranger Course, worked closely with the elite 75th Rangers throughout most of his career.

"Josh embodied those traits even before he thought about joining," commented a teammate at the memorial.