Ellsworth honors the memory of Airman who paid the ultimate price

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Ellsworth community came together to honor the memory of a fallen Airman during a memorial service at the Black Hills Chapel, Sept. 24.
 
Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky died from wounds he sustained from enemy fire while engaged in combat operations, Sept. 12 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan.
 
Ellsworth's base leadership, chaplains, and fellow Airmen paid tribute to Sergeant Berky and his service.
 
"He was a man who gave his life in the service of his country," said Chaplain (Maj.) James L. Parrish, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain. 

Chaplain Parrish illustrated Sergeant Berky's passing with a quote from President Abraham Lincoln, which said it was "a sacrifice made on the altar of freedom." 

Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th BW commander, said, "The nation has lost a great Airman." 

"He went with courage, pride and determination," said Colonel Taliferro as he spoke about Sergeant Berky's deployment to Afghanistan. 

Sergeant Berky's courage led him to enlist in the Air Force soon after graduating from high school in 2002. He went on to complete technical training as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Apprentice and was eventually assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Explosive Ordnance flight, here. 

A Bronze Star Medal, awarded for valor, a Purple Heart Medal and NATO Medal were some of the awards Sergeant Berky earned during his career in the Air Force. 

Sergeant Berky is survived by his wife Erin, son Harrison, his parents Sonya and William Berky, and his brother Jeremy Berky.

To view the slideshow for the memorial, click here.