Berky, Bryan David
Male
Verified U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Bryan David Berky, 25, of Melrose, Florida, was killed in a hostile incident near Balah Baluq, Afghanistan, on September 12, 2009.
Their Story
Staff Sergeant Bryan David Berky was a 25-year-old Air Force engineer from Melrose, Florida. He was assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. His service reportedly included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On September 12, 2009, Berky was killed near the village of Balah Baluq in Afghanistan's Kunar Province. According to U.S. military reports, he was part of a patrol that was struck by an improvised explosive device. The blast also wounded another U.S. service member.
Berky's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The conflict was characterized by counterinsurgency operations against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces, with IEDs becoming a leading cause of coalition casualties.
Following his death, Berky was posthumously promoted from Senior Airman to Staff Sergeant. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. A memorial service was held at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
He is remembered on memorials at Ellsworth and in his home state of Florida. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Museum of the Forgotten Warriors in California.
Explore Further
Bryan Berky was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
