Seven U.S. Air Force airmen made the ultimate sacrifice on March 15 when their HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in western Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Instead of The Stream’s normal weekly look around the numerous battlefields on which our troops are fighting terrorists, I thought it would be appropriate to learn more about the extraordinary lives led by these seven fallen heroes.

Captain Mark K. Weber, 29, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Captain Weber was an Air Force combat rescue officer who was commissioned in 2011, according to the website of Bartonville, Texas, Mayor Bill Scherer. He is survived by his parents, who live in Bartonville, and four siblings, including Christian stand-up comedian Kristen Weber. In addition to his Iraq deployment, Capt. Weber performed rescue operations during the recent hurricanes.

“Because of his bravery and selflessness, we enjoy daily freedom and security,” Mayor Scherer said in a statement. “It is our duty to honor and never forget the sacrifice that Capt. Weber made.”

Captain Christopher T. Zanetis, 37, Long Island City, New York

Captain “Tripp” Zanetis was a brave airman, New York City firefighter, and graduate of both New York University and Stanford University’s prestigious law school. His second alma mater posted a moving tribute to the fallen hero on its website.

“With hardwiring for public service, the sweet energy of a puppy and a brilliant, curious mind, Tripp was making a life that would make a difference,” Stanford Law Professor Michelle Wilde Anderson wrote. “He was building toward elected office, and he would have been a leader for our times. Tripp Zanetis was gold. We are richer for his life, and we owe something back for it.”

Stanford’s tribute says Zanetis lived a few blocks from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and volunteered with the fire department to rescue victims during the attack’s immediate aftermath. He became a standout firefighter, then joined the Air National Guard seven years later. Like Stanford, which lowered its flags to half-staff in Capt. Zanetis’ honor, we shall remember this hero’s extraordinary dedication to serving others.

Captain Andreas B. O’Keeffe, 37, Center Moriches, New York

Captain O’Keeffe had already been to Iraq three times before his final deployment there. But according to his father, who was interviewed by Newsday, the pilot “figured he was not doing enough to serve his country,” so he joined the New York Air National Guard’s elite 106th Rescue Wing and went back.

According to the article, Capt. O’Keeffe graduated from University of South Florida and the Georgetown University law school. He could have done anything he wanted in life, yet chose to risk everything for freedom. This patriot’s story of sacrifice embodies our military community’s selfless courage.

Master Sergeant Christopher J. Raguso, 39, Commack, New York

According to the same Newsday report, Master Sgt. Raguso’s mother “begged” the 13-year New York City firefighting veteran not to return to Iraq. Driven by his love of country and intrinsic desire to serve others, he went anyway, telling his mom “if I don’t go, who would?”

“Goose,” as Michael O’Keeffe’s article says Master Sgt. Raguso was known to his many friends, returned to American soil on Sunday in Dover, Delaware, as seen above.

The hero firefighter and warrior is survived by his wife and two daughters. Please pray for them.

Staff Sergeant Dashan J. Briggs, 30, Port Jefferson Station, New York

The New York Times spoke to Staff Sgt. Briggs’ maternal grandmother, Gloria Smith. While he loved serving his country, the airman had a wife and two young children who always came first.

“He loved being a dad,” the grieving grandmother told the Times. “He took care of his wife and kids and nothing else mattered.”

At this tragic hour, the Briggs family is undoubtedly experiencing unimaginable pain. Please say another special prayer for the fallen airman’s widow and two children.

Donate

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to help the Briggs and Raguso families pay off their mortgages. I donated to this worthy effort here and encourage all readers of The Stream to do the same. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these Gold Star families.

Master Sergeant William R. Posch, 36, Indialantic, Florida

Just last year, Master Sgt. Posch rescued a child from severe flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, as seen in this dramatic video. As a report by WJXT-TV demonstrates, he brought the same valiant spirit to his job as a lifeguard on Florida’s Jacksonville Beach before joining the Air National Guard.

“We were lucky to have him here,” Capt. Rob Emahiser of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue told WJXT. “We were really, really lucky to know somebody that gave it everything all the time.”

According to the article, you can help Master Sgt. Posch’s wife and two children by donating here. I just made a contribution and hope you will consider doing the same.

Staff Sergeant Carl P. Enis, 31, Tallahassee, Florida

“Carl was the most amazing person,” a family friend told WPLG-TV. “He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to fish, hunt and dive. You can’t even imagine how special he was.”

Staff Sgt. Enis was a top combat medic who “was an expert with maps, compasses and survival methods,” according to WPLG. The Florida State University graduate and American hero is survived by his wife, mom and brother.

‘A Wound that Will Not Soon Heal’

How can we possibly sum up the faith, patriotism and ultimate sacrifices of these seven remarkable airmen? The closing of this Newsday piece is more eloquent than anything I could come up with.

“The wisdom of our operations in the Middle East can be debated. The bravery and dedication of those who carry them out cannot,” the newspaper’s editorial board wrote. “This loss is a wound that will not soon heal.”

For America’s newest Gold Star families, the wound will never fully heal. As you pray for them, please also take the time to share their incredible stories with others. God willing, our country never forget its real “magnificent seven.”

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is co-author of three books about military heroes: 8 Seconds of Courage, Brothers Forever and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo.