Sibley, Forrest Brent
Male
Verified U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Forrest Brent Sibley, 31, of Pensacola, Florida, was killed by hostile fire on August 26, 2015, at Camp Antonik in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Staff Sergeant Forrest Brent Sibley was a combat controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, based at Pope Field, North Carolina. The squadron is part of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Combat controllers are trained to deploy into combat zones to direct air strikes and manage air traffic control.
On August 26, 2015, Sibley was killed by enemy small-arms fire while supporting Afghan forces at Camp Antonik, a base in the Sangin District of Helmand Province. The U.S. Department of Defense stated he died of wounds sustained during a partnered security operation. He was 31 years old.
Sibley's death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. mission that began in January 2015 following the conclusion of the larger International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission. The period was marked by a continued U.S. counter-terrorism and advisory role, with American personnel often embedded with Afghan units in volatile regions like Helmand.
Following his death, the 21st Special Tactics Squadron and AFSOC released statements honoring his service. He was posthumously promoted from Senior Airman to the rank of Staff Sergeant. A memorial service was held at Pope Field.
Sibley's name is inscribed on the Air Force Memorial and listed in the Defense Casualty Analysis System. He was reportedly awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. The 21st Special Tactics Squadron annually presents an award in his name to an outstanding combat controller.
Explore Further
Forrest Sibley was killed during Operation Freedom's Sentinel (ongoing since January 2015). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Golden, Jonathan Joseph, Sanchez, Maria Victoria, Dawson, John Michael, Ruiz, Pablo Allende Iii.
