Staff Sergeant David Smith, 26, of Eight Mile, Alabama was assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group, 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He died June 9, 2010, near Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan, in a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash. The helicopter crashed after Taliban insurgents fired rockets at them as SSgt Smith and his team were performing a medical evacuation mission in turbulent Helmand province.

SSgt Smith entered the Air Force shortly after graduating from Satsuma, Alabama High School. A decorated Airman during his seven-year career, Sergeant Smith earned five Air Medals as a veteran of numerous deployments in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He saved 130 people during combat missions. In one mission alone, he saved 40 people.

SSgt Smith was remembered as a great person, airman and warrior who had a passion for saving lives. He had a dry sense of humor, enjoyed funny movies and stand-up comedy. He also enjoyed playing pranks on his siblings.

He was survived by his mother, Mildred Hardee; two brothers, Randall and Todd; two sisters, Tracey and Jamie; and his fiancée, Meggan Eckersley.