Patrick Air Force Base community welcomes home fallen pararescueman

Photo By Staff Sgt. Dalton Williams | The Patrick Air Force Base and surrounding communities came out in full force to honor Master Sgt. William Posch who was brought home April 3, 2018. The 308th Rescue Squadron pararescueman died in a helicopter crash in Iraq last month. Both civilian and military personnel stood shoulder-to-shoulder lining the streets during Posch's dignified transfer to honor an American hero and his family for their ultimate sacrifice. As his motorcade passed by, those in uniform rendered a salute while civilians placed their hand over their heart. Posch, 36, an Indialantic, Florida, resident, was one of two Pararscuemen the 920th Rescue Wing lost March 15, 2018. Staff Sgt. Carl Enis, 31, of Tallahassee, was the other. (U.S. Air Force photo)  

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

04.04.2018

Story by Maj. Cathleen Snow 

920th Rescue Wing

The Patrick Air Force Base community came out in full force to honor Master Sgt. William Posch who was brought home April 3, 2018. He died in a helicopter crash in Iraq last month.

Both civilian and military personnel stood shoulder-to-shoulder lining the streets during Posch's dignified transfer to honor an American hero and his family for their ultimate sacrifice. As his motorcade passed by, those in uniform rendered a salute while civilians placed their hand over their heart.

Posch, 36, an Indialantic, Florida, resident, was one of two pararescuemen the 920th Rescue Wing lost March 15, 2018. Staff Sgt. Carl Enis, 31, of Tallahassee, was the other.

Both men were assigned to the 308th Rescue Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. The squadron of elite Guardian Angel Airmen serve as highly trained rescue specialists, on and off the battlefield, providing life-saving trauma care and search and rescue as part of the 920th Rescue Wing - one of the most deployed units in the Air Force Reserve.

Among the motorcade escorts were: Brevard County Sherriff deputies, Patriot Guard Riders and Jacksonville Ocean Rescue life guards. Posch served as a lifeguard after graduating high school.

Posch had 18 years of service, the last ten of which were with the 920th RQW. Among his decorations were the Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster; an Aerial Achievement Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with Combat Device posthumously.

Posch and Enis gave their last full measure performing their mission and serving our most noble Pararescue creed: ‘These things we do, that others may live’. In the face of this tragedy, we will honor their service and sacrifice and join their loved ones in mourning the immense void left behind by the loss of these great men – our rescue brothers,” said Col. Kurt Matthews, the 920th Rescue Wing commander.

The family has requested that donations be made in honor of Posch to the www.pararescuefoundation.org. No federal endorsement intended.

• Date Taken: 04.04.2018
• Date Posted: 04.08.2018 10:40
• Story ID: 272175
• Location: PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US
• Hometown: INDIALANTIC, FL, US