Fallen Soldier: Joshua M. Gavulic

Master Sergeant Joshua M. Gavulic, 34, of Oklahoma City, Okla., was a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member as-signed to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron at Fort Ben-ning, Ga. With more than 16 years of service, MSgt. Gavulic was a Special Tactics Operator, a highly trained Jumpmaster and Ranger. On February 21, 2014, while on a free-fall training mission, MSgt. Gavulic died in a parachute accident in Eloy, Ariz.

Joining the Air Force in June of 1998, MSgt. Gavulic was a Freefall HALO Jump Master. During the War on Terrorism, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom 10 times be-tween 2001 and 2014.

“We talked frequently of the responsibilities we hold as husbands and fathers,” said Lt. Col. John Traxler, 17th STS commander. “He believed above all he was an example to his children. He was a tremendous warrior and American.”

Gavulic’s sons is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.