Andrew Prince’s Obituary

SSGT ANDREW PRINCE 31 AUGUST 1986 – 16 SEPTEMBER 2011

Born August 31^st, 1986 in Zanesville, Ohio he is the son of Rick and Kim (Hawk) Prince of Dresden, Ohio. In 2004 SSgt Prince graduated Tri-Valley High School and entered the United States Air Force 1 Feb 2006. He graduated Basic Military Training and attended Technical School for Aircrew Life Support at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX from which he graduated 16 May 2006. Airman Prince received orders to his first duty station with the 56^th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Arizona where he was assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron. While at the 308^th FS, he was responsible for the inspection, maintenance and repair of aircrew helmets, masks, harnesses, anti- gravity suits, survival kits and night vision goggles. His immaculate quality of work and attitude earned him two Quarterly Awards in 2007. Airman Prince was promoted to Airman First Class, and transferred to the 61^st Fighter Squadron where he won an additional Quarterly Award. After a career field merger between Aircrew Life Support and Survival Equipment, he was assigned to the Consolidated Maintenance Section where he became certified in the packing of parachutes, life rafts, and life preservers. In 2009 A1C Prince was promoted to Senior Airman at which time his efforts were instrumental to the flight winning the Air Education and Training Command “Outstanding Aircrew Flight Equipment Large Program of the Year” Award. Once selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant, he sewed on his new rank 1 March 2011, immediately followed by a bone marrow transplant operation. Through all of this, his concern remained with the job and how he would be able to gain back the knowledge to take care of his pilots and airmen. On 16 September 2011, he succumbed to complications of his illness and was finally at peace. SSgt Andrew Prince will always have a place in Aircrew Flight Equipment and in our hearts.