The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

           Airman 1^st Class Jesse M. Samek, 21, of Rogers, Ark., died Oct. 21 from injuries he received when an Air Force HH-60 helicopter aircraft crashed during a medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 66^th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

           The accident is under investigation.

For further information please contact Air Force Special Operations Command at (850) 884-5515.