SrA. Daniel Johnson was killed in action Tuesday during an explosive ordnance disposal operation in an area west of Kandahar, Afghanistan, the Air Force has announced. The 23-year-old airman was assigned to the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s EOD flight at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Johnson died when an improvised explosive device detonated near him. He was transported to a hospital at Kandahar Airfield and was pronounced dead soon thereafter. TSgt. Robert Butler, another EOD specialist from Vandenberg who was working with Johnson, was injured in the blast. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Airman Johnson and Sergeant Butler during this extremely difficult time,” said Col. Richard Boltz, commander of Vandenberg’s 30th Space Wing.
Walking the flight line occupied by Blackhawk attack helicopters and American troops on rotation at the “MK” air base in Romania, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted the important strategic value of one of NATO’s newest members Oct. 20 ahead of NATO defense ministerial meetings in Brussels Oct. 21-22.…