Event Description
Senior Airman Michael J. Buras of Fitzgerald, Ga., served as a bomb technician with the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal team in Kandahar. Two airmen from the same squadron were injured during the blast and are being treated at the hospital at Kandahar Airfield.
Buras, of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., received a Purple Heart for wounds he sustained during a deployment.
Senior Airman Michael J. Buras was no stranger to roadside bomb blasts.
He was wounded by one as a gunner on a mine-resistant ambush vehicle on his first deployment to Afghanistan with the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron from Nellis Air Force Base.
On Tuesday, the 23-year-old bomb technician from Fitzgerald, Ga., gave his life for others when an undetected IED detonated.
"While responding to an IED (improvised explosive device) event, Senior Airman Michael Buras died when an undetected IED detonated," his commander, Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, said during a press briefing Wednesday at the main entrance to the Nellis base.
"Airman Buras and his teammates are decorated war veterans. They are patriots, and they exemplify what it means to serve as part of our highly trained, tight-knit, elite team," McCloud said. "Their families and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time."
Nellis officials said Buras was on his third combat deployment overseas. He had served in Iraq once and Afghanistan twice.
Buras was awarded a Purple Heart medal for injuries he suffered during a roadside bomb blast while he was a gunner on his first Afghanistan tour.
Sen. Harry Reid, released a statement late Wednesday saying he was saddened to hear about the death of Buras. "Michael Buras represented his fellow airmen from Nellis with dignity by serving our country with honor. My thoughts go out to Airman Buras' family, friends and fellow airmen during this difficult time," Reid said.
In March, a CNN crew interviewed Buras at Nellis comparing the Oscar-winning movie "The Hurt Locker" to what he faced in the field.
At the time, Buras said the airmen have to rely on each other. "That's how we do what we do," Buras said. "We have each other over there. We use each other. We build off each other. We train together, we live together, we eat together. When you're over there, you're together every day, every night." Buras leaves behind a 1-year-old daughter.
Words can not describe how much we appreciate you Michael. I pray that your baby girl always knows how much she was loved and what her father has meant to this Nation. I will keep her in our prayers and promise to never forget your sacrifice.
With all our Respect!
Gabe Vaughan
“Airman Buras was a dedicated professional and a true patriot and he will be sorely missed,” said Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “Our thoughts and prayers are also with our other two airmen who were injured and are receiving care.”
Event details and schedule
Run packets can be picked up at the Bushman Concert Friday night or before the run Saturday morning.
Parking available near Community Bank Downtown Fitzgerald or Paulk Funeral Home.
Beauty & the Beast exhibition Soccer game at Jaycee Stadium @11:00 (Soldiers vs. FHS Girls Soccer Team)
