Local Airman Killed in Afghanistan Plane Crash

28-year-old Brandon Cyr was from Woodbridge, Va.

The Department of Defense has identified a Virginia man as one of four airmen killed Saturday in the crash of an MC-12 aircraft in Afghanistan.

Air Force Capt. Brandon L. Cyr, 28, of Woodbridge, was assigned to the 906th Air Refueling Squadron within the 375th Air Mobility Wing from Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Cyr was described by base officials as a KC-135 instructor pilot who was assigned there in 2009. He had most recently served as an executive officer for the Illinois National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Peter Nezamis.

“He was an outstanding pilot and a dedicated Airman," Col. David Almand, commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, said in a statement. "Our hearts are heavy, and we’re doing all that we can to provide support and comfort to members of his family during this difficult time. Our hearts also go out to families of the other Airmen who lost their lives as well.”

The Department of Defense says the aircraft went down near Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. The cause of the crash is under investigation; however, authorities do not believe there was enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash.

The other airmen have been identified as Capt. Reid Nishizuka, 30, of Kailua, Hawaii; Staff Sgt. Richard Dickson, 24, of Rancho Cordova, Calif; and Staff Sgt. Daniel Fannin, 30, of Morehead, Ky.  They had been deployed in support of NATO missions in the area.

Details of funeral and memorial arrangements will be released later in the week.

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