Air Force 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. He was killed February 17, 2006 when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, Northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission.

Inspired to serve his country, SSgt Melendez-Sanchez enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 1995 at age 22. After completing technical training as a Ground Radio Maintenance Specialist, he served in England and later at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, earning a reputation as an exceptional mentor and leader before deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“You could definitely find all of the Air Force’s core values in Sergeant Melendez,” said Airman Booker. “He was honest. He took training seriously and was a fast learner.”

SSgt. Melendez-Sanchez was survived by his wife and two children.