Jason Plite

Died: March 23, 2003

Rank: Senior Airman

Unit: 38th Rescue Squadron

Branch: U.S. Air Force

Senior Airman Jason Plite died on March 23, 2003, near Ghazni, Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A member of the 38th Rescue Squadron out of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Plite was killed when his HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter crashed on its way to rescue two injured Afghan children. Funeral services for the fallen Airman were held at South Baptist Church near his family’s home in Lansing, Michigan. Hundreds of mourners came to pay their respects. Following the service, Plite was buried at Delta Center Cemetery with full military honors, including a Color Guard and a 21-gun salute. A lone bugler played Taps.