11/30/2006 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Department of Defense officials announced today the identity of an Airman listed as duty status - whereabouts unknown.
Maj. Troy L. Gilbert was the pilot of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27.
Major Gilbert is assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. and currently deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq.
An investigation is ongoing.
I just got a message that my cousin, a F16 pilot and Major at Luke AFB, was friends with Troy Gilbert. One of Troy's sons was born the same week as my cousin's son. Troy had five kids. Please pray for my cousin and the others who knew Troy because they are grieving now.
Last summer my cousin told me that if he ever got shot down, he would make sure that he wouldn't be in a place where the enemy might be able to torture him. He would simply fight back until they killed him.
I wonder if Troy had to do that?
Does any one know more about this case?