Briggs, Dashan Jamar

Also known as: TSGT, 101ST RESCUE SQUADRON, FRANCIS S. GABRESKI JAP, NY (ACC)

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedMarch 15, 2018

Age30 years old

Location of DeathNEAR AL ASAD AB, IRAQ

Cause of DeathKilled in a helicopter crash (HH-60G Pave Hawk) during a transport mission

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

Technical Sergeant Dashan Jamar Briggs, 30, of Port Jefferson Station, New York, was a U.S. Air Force pararescueman with the 101st Rescue Squadron. He was killed in a helicopter crash near Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on March 15, 2018.

Their Story

Technical Sergeant Dashan Jamar Briggs was a pararescueman, or PJ, assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing's 101st Rescue Squadron, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. Pararescuemen are trained for combat search and rescue and medical evacuation missions. Briggs, a native of Port Jefferson Station, New York, was 30 years old at the time of his deployment to Iraq.

On March 15, 2018, a U.S. military HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crashed near Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq. The aircraft was reportedly on a routine transport mission. All seven service members on board were killed. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Briggs's death, stating he died of injuries sustained in the crash. An investigation later cited a failure of a flight control component as the probable cause.

The crash occurred during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. By early 2018, ISIS had lost most of its territorial holdings but still maintained a presence, and coalition operations continued to target remaining fighters and infrastructure. U.S. forces were providing support and advisory assistance to Iraqi security forces.

Briggs's death was reported by major news outlets, including The New York Times and military publications. The 106th Rescue Wing held a memorial service, and he was posthumously awarded the Air Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. His body was returned to the United States, where he was buried with full military honors.

Briggs is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated pararescueman. His name is inscribed on the Air Force Memorial and on a memorial at his home base. The pararescue community, known for its motto 'That Others May Live,' honors him among those lost in the line of duty.