Remembering the fallen Published June 26, 2024 By Senior Airman Briana Beavers 33rd Fighter Wing EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- An explosion, heard from more than 20 miles away, rocked and decimated the walls of the barracks near King Abdulaziz Air Base as frantic screams of terror pour out of the building. Combat boots and yellow flowers representing those who lost their lives are displayed during the 28th Annual Khobar Towers Memorial Ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, June 25, 2024. Every year, friends, families, survivors and former Nomads unite to pay tribute to those who were killed during the terrorist attack at Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on June 25, 1996. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res On the night of June 25, 1996, 19 Airmen lost their lives while over 400 U.S. and international military and civilian members were injured during the Khobar Towers attack in Dharan, Saudi Arabia; 12 of the fallen were Nomads. Today, over 200 attendees from the 33rd Fighter Wing and local community gathered in remembrance of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on the 28th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing. This year's memorial included a guest speaker, the traditional wreath-laying, recitation of names, and the playing of “Taps”. The recitation of names was carried out by 19 current Airmen from the 33rd FW who were chosen to stand on behalf of the fallen, deliver the fallen member’s name, and render a salute. “As we reflect on this tragedy, we are reminded of the incredible acts of courage and camaraderie that emerged from that fateful night,” said Col. Dave Skalicky, 33rd FW commander. “Many of our Nomads exemplified selflessness and courage in the face of unimaginable danger. Their actions that night continue to inspire us and serve as a poignant reminder of the personal costs of service.” Zach Sutton, Catalyst Church of Panama City pastor and survivor of the Khobar Towers bombing, delivers a speech alongside Staff Sgt. Robby Anderson, 58th Fighter Squadron aviation resource manager and event narrator, during the 28th Annual Khobar Towers Memorial Ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 25, 2024. Sutton is a Purple Heart recipient of the Khobar Towers bombing and continues to meet annually with survivors in the Panama City area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Following Skalicky’s remarks, Zach Sutton, a survivor of the attack, Catalyst Church of Panama City pastor, and ceremony guest speaker, spoke of the wounds that remain. "I was 23 years old when I showed up in 1996 to Khobar Towers,” said Sutton. “I stand here today 28 years later still wounded by this event. Like most of the survivors today I have physical scars, but even more than that I have unseen scars ... almost every survivor you meet today has the same struggles, and to them I stay ‘Keep going, don’t let the hard days win’.” The wing’s emblem, the flaming sword, stands at the center of the memorial, where an inscription reads: "This monument is dedicated to the brave warriors who were killed by a terrorist bomb at Khobar Towers, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 1996. They made the ultimate sacrifice as guardians of this grateful nation. We shall never forget them." The names of the fallen are below: 58th Fighter Squadron: Master Sgt. Kendall K. Kitson, Jr. - Yukon, Oklahoma Tech. Sgt. Daniel B. Cafourek - Watertown, South Dakota Staff Sgt. Millard D. Campbell - Angelton, Texas Senior Airman Earl F. Cartrette, Jr. - Sellersbug, Indiana Airman 1st Class Brent E. Mathaler - Cambridge, Minnesota Airman 1st Class Brian W. McVeigh - Debary, Florida Airman 1st Class Joseph E. Rimkus - Madison, Illinois Airman 1st Class Joshua E. Woody - Corning, California 60th Fighter Squadron: Tech. Sgt. Patrick P. Fennig - Greendale, Wisconsin 33rd Logistics Group: Tech. Sgt. Thanh V. (Gus) Nguyen - Panama City, Florida 33rd Operations Support Squadron: Airman 1st Class Peter J. Morgera - Stratham, New Hampshire 33rd Maintenance Squadron: Senior Airman Jeremy A. Taylor - Rosehill, Kansas Patrick Air Force Base: Capt. Christopher Adams - Massapaque Park, New York Capt. Leland Timothy Haun - Fresno County, California Master Sgt. Michael Heiser - Palm Coast, Florida Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson - Shreveport, Louisiana Airman 1st Class Justin Wood - Modesto, California Offutt Air Force Base: Staff Sgt. Ronald King - Battle Creek, Michigan Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: Airman 1st Class Christopher Lester - Wyoming County, West Virginia