Nellis remembers fallen EOD technician Published Oct. 19, 2010 By Senior Airman Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- For more than 200 years individuals have volunteered to serve in the U.S. military; since 2001 more than 4,000 servicemembers have lost their lives, in service to their country. These members took an oath to protect the ideals and freedoms allotted to citizens by the Constitution of the United States and to help extend these freedoms to people from different countries around the world. One of those 4,000 servicemembers was Senior Airman Michael Buras, who died Sept. 21 of wounds suffered during an improvised explosive device detonation in Kandahar, Afghanistan. On Oct. 15 more than 400 people attended a memorial service at the base chapel and Nellis Theater to pay their final respects to Senior Airman Michael Buras, a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. "Michael, to me, is truly unforgettable," said Senior Airman Joel Bomgaars. "There was truly no quit in him. I know Mikey will always be watching his family and EOD brethren from above and can confidently say that we will be safer with him always watching our back." During the ceremony, members of the EOD team gave their testimony on how Airman Buras affected their lives and how he exhibited all the traits necessary to be considered a hero. "I have a simple definition for hero: Senior Airman Michael Buras," said Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Airman Buras was a hero not only because of his actions in both his first and second deployment, but also because he was a brother, friend, wingman, husband, and father. He chose the calling of being in EOD where the courageous run toward danger instead of running away from it. He will forever define the role of hero." The explosive ordnance flight went on to explain the impact Airman Buras had on each of their lives. "No matter what you needed Mikey to do; he would do it," said Master Sgt. Kieran Flynn, 99th CES explosive ordnance disposal section chief. "He had one thing that everyone wants but not everyone has; and that is courage." "Senior Airman Buras' energy and passion made a mark on me as person," said Capt. Lee Turcotte, 99th CES explosive ordnance disposal flight commander. "He eagerly put his life on the line to protect afghan citizens and coalition and U.S. servicemembers. Michael epitomized the pride, dedication and willingness to sacrifice that Airmen should aspire to have." During the ceremony Airman Buras was also awarded the Bronze Star with valor medal, posthumously, and his second Purple Heart. Airman Buras was buried Oct. 6 at the national cemetery in Andersonville, Ga. "The next time you hear somebody speak of service before self, having a warrior spirit or putting mission first, think of Michael Buras," Captain Turcotte said. "Those concepts are not unachievable or abstract ideas; he lived and died by them. That is an American hero. We will do everything we can to live in the spirit he set for us."
