1 airman killed, another injured during parachute training

Marty Bettelyoun, left, and Tech. Sgt. Bettelyoun, who is survived by his wife and 5 kids, fought in missions in “several combat zones and sensitive areas around the world”, according to Air Force officials.

Officer was a 14-year combat veteran with multiple deployments.

The Air Force is especially likely to lose these highly skilled airmen when they hit 20 years of service and become eligible for retirement, said retired Gen. Billy Boles.

The incident happened on Monday during a military freefall training at the Eglin Air Force Base range.

The airmen were part of a special tactics unit assigned to Hurlburt Field.

The Air Force is investigating the accident.

Special Operations Command were rushed to local hospitals.

Officer served 14 years and deployed many times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, where he earned two Bronze Star Medals, one with valor. Timothy Officer Jr., a Tactical Air Control Party Airman, died as a result of an accident during free-fall training on Monday.

The Air Force will not release specific information about their deaths while the accident is under investigation.

The pair “were the epitome of a Special Tactics Airman: professional, dedicated and prepared to give their lives in service to their country”, Col. Wolfe Davidson, the 24th Special Operations Wing commander, said in a statement.