In Remembrance: Senior Airman Nicholas Eischen

  • Published
  • 60th Medical Group
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Senior Airman Nicholas Eischen, 60th Medical Operations Squadron, aerospace medical services technician, passed away Dec. 24 of non-combat related causes while serving in Afghanistan. 

Airman Eischen was born July 6, 1983, in Fresno, Calif., and joined the Air Force July 22, 2003. He was assigned to the 60th MDOS at Travis Air Force Base before being deployed to the 455th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in September 2007. 

He is survived by his wife, Leah and son, Braeden. 

"Nick was 'The Gentle Giant' who lit up the room with his good nature and positive attitude," said Col. Consuella Pockett, 60th MDOS commander. "He will be sorely missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him." 

"As a doctor and a father, my heart goes out to all of our fallen heroes, but as the head of the Military Health System it is especially difficult losing one of our own," said the honorable S. Ward Casscells, M.D., Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. 

"To the family and friends of Airman Eischen, we salute and honor your strength, dedication and courage. Like other first responders and military heroes, Airman Eischen will be remembered as a man who wore the cloth of his nation and gave his life to the cause of freedom." 

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also issued a statement on the loss of Airman Eischen. 

"As a member of our nation's armed forces, Senior Airman Nicholas Eischen set a courageous example for all Californians," he said in a press release. "Maria and I are deeply saddened by his loss and we will keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. Nicholas' noble character will be deeply missed by all who knew him." 

Services for Airman Eischen have been set for 11 a.m., Jan. 4 at New Hope Community Church in Clovis, Calif. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Clovis District Cemetery. 

A memorial service for Airman Eischen will also be held at noon , Jan. 7 in the auditorium of the David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base.