Travis Airman killed in action

  • Published
  • By Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 303
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Three special agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were killed in the line of duty near Balad Air Base, Iraq Nov. 1.

Master Sgt. Thomas Crowell, 36, of Neosho, Mo., Staff Sgt. David Wieger, 28, of North Huntingdon, Pa. and Department of the Air Force Civilian Nathan Schuldheiss, 27, of Newport, R.I., were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised-explosive device. 

The agents were conducting a counter-intelligence mission north of Baghdad when their convoy hit the explosive. Special Agent Wieger was assigned to AFOSI Detachment 303 at Travis. His loss, and the loss of Special Agent's Crowell and Schuldheiss, has brought together the members of OSI Travis and the entire AFOSI command in response to this tragedy. 

Special Agent Wieger will be remembered for his caring, upbeat outlook on life and his dedication to the Air Force and OSI missions. 

A native of North Huntingdon, Pa., Special Agent Wieger graduated from Norwin High School. He attended Westmoreland Community College, studying criminal justice. He loved playing soccer and getting together with friends at any opportunity. 

Dave joined the Air Force more than eight years ago and was thrilled when he was able to cross-train into AFOSI. Friends and co-workers can all attest to his enthusiasm for the mission in Iraq. "Dave knew he was making a difference there. He loved every minute of it," said Special Agent Charles Marcus, Det. 303 technical services branch chief. 

Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, said words could not pay proper justice to the agents, whose efforts, he said, undoubtedly saved lives. 

"Each time the nation has called, OSI and the Air Force have responded," he said. "Brave Airmen continue to step forward. Today is the time for tears. Tomorrow we will refocus efforts and continue to carry the standard and traditions of these men. We must continue this fight," the general said. "They gave their lives for it and now we are the ones who will continue it, who will honor their sacrifice and continue." 

"Dave was a rich, rich man, not in terms of money, but in how he lived his life. Dave Wieger was an integral part of our team, and he will be missed," said Lt. Col. Stanley Robinson, of Detachment 303 commander. 

Special Agent Wieger is survived by his parents, Lori and Mike, and a brother.
"He thought it was very important to do his duty," said his mother Lori. 

Special Agent Wieger was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.