Elchin, Dylan James

Staff Sgt. Dylan James Elchin was a Special Tactics combat controller assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, part of Air Force Special Operations Command based at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. He grew up in Hookstown, Pennsylvania, and enlisted in the Air Force in 2012. Combat controllers are trained to deploy into hostile environments to establish airfield control and direct close air support for ground forces.

Elchin died on November 27, 2018, in Andar District, Ghazni province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while he was conducting combat operations. He was the only U.S. service member killed in the incident.

His death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. mission in Afghanistan that succeeded Operation Enduring Freedom in 2015. The mission's stated objectives included counterterrorism and training Afghan security forces. In 2018, violence remained widespread as U.S. and Afghan forces conducted operations against Taliban and Islamic State militants.

The Air Force posthumously promoted Elchin from sergeant to staff sergeant. In a statement, his commander, Lt. Col. Gregory Walsh, said Elchin 'was the guy everyone wanted to be around' and that he volunteered for the deployment where he was killed. His remains were returned to the United States.

Elchin was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Air Force Combat Action Medal. A memorial was held at Cannon Air Force Base. He is remembered by the Special Tactics community as a dedicated airman who supported critical ground operations.

Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin was killed during Operation Freedom's Sentinel (ongoing since 2015). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Golden, Jonathan Joseph, Gonzalez, Jose Juan, Sanchez, Maria Victoria, Dawson, John Michael.

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