Fallen Soldier: Luis Melendez-Sanchez

Staff Sergeant Luis Melendez-Sanchez, 33, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, was assigned to the 1st Communications Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and served during Operation Enduring Freedom. On February 17, 2006, Staff Sgt. Melendez-Sanchez was killed when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, Northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission.

Staff Sgt. Melendez-Sanchez enlisted in the Air Force in 1995. He was awarded the Air Force Combat Readiness Award, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Air Force Overseas Ribbon among others.

“I will never forget you”, said Justin Desorcy of Columbus AFB. “You were the first, and by far the best, mentor I have had in my Air Force career. I take pride in the work that I do in the shop just as you did.”

Staff Sgt. Melendez-Sanchez’s wife and two children are Folds of Honor Scholarship recipients.