LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Department of Defense announced today the death of Capt. Charles A. Ransom, a cyberspace Airman assigned to the 83rd Network Operations Squadron, located at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
He died April 27, at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from gunfire. The captain was deployed to Kabul from the 83rd NOS, a part of the 67th Network Warfare Wing, one of the three operational wings of the 24th Air Force.
"Capt Ransom had been a critical part of this wing's operations for several years and was a leader within the 83rd Network Operations Squadron," said Col. Kevin Wooton, 67th NWW commander. "He was an outstanding officer and exemplified the core values of our service."
The captain had been selected for promotion to major in 2010 and was due to pin on in 2011. When stateside, he lead a 19-member flight providing squadron planning of a $6.4 million budget to accomplish deployed and in-garrison Air Force Network Operations missions. He had managed projects directed by the Headquarters Air Force, the Air Force Network Integration Center and Air Force Space Command supporting network delivery to six major commands and 356,000 Air Force users.
"He was truly an American Airman," said Lt. Col. Eric Delange, 83rd NOS commander. "To borrow some of the words from our [Airman's] Creed, Captain Ransom 'answered our Nation's call' and literally 'defended his country with his life.' He was a wingman, leader and he died a warrior - now it is up to us to 'never leave him behind.' His spirit lives on in the legacy he has left our squadron."
"This [loss] drives home the point that life can indeed be fleeting, especially in the profession of arms," said Colonel Delange. "I would encourage everyone, as soon as they get the chance, to call their spouse, children, mom, dad, friend, or any other special person or loved one and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. Then tell them about Captain Ransom. Let them know that we all lost a friend and patriot yesterday who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country and freedoms."