Master Sergeant Steven Auchman, 37, of Waterloo, New York, was assigned to the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron based out of Fort Lewis, WA. He died on November 9, 2004, from injuries sustained when multiple rocket-propelled grenades struck the Forward Operating Base in Mosul, Iraq. He was a radio maintainer providing tactical support for an Army Stryker brigade at the time of the attack.

MSgt Auchman graduated from high school in Waterloo where he played football and lacrosse. He and his twin brother, John, joined the Air Force right after graduation. MSgt Auchman held a long and successful career within the Air Force, serving for many years in Germany before relocating to Fort Lewis.

MSgt Auchman met his wife, Jennifer, while she was also serving in the Air Force. “He was just a very special person.” she said, “We were best friends first before we started dating. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always knew how to make me laugh.”

MSgt Auchman is survived by his wife Jennifer and sons, Brian and Eric.