Andrew Russell

Source : Army USAF remember Sgt Andrew Russell, SASR   By Cpl Alisha Welch and David Sibley THE bond between the Australian and US Armed Forces has been highlighted with a US Air Force officer commissioning a Killed In Action bracelet in honour of Sgt Andrew Russell, SASR, killed in Afghanistan in February 2002. Capt Dixie Duke, Air Weapons Officer, 16 ACCS/DOW-116 Air Control Wing, said he had decided to make the KIA bracelet in honour of Sgt Russell because the tradition of honouring fallen comrades with bracelets went back to the Vietnam War. "Many of our fighting men who were either captured or killed were remembered by various organisations with these bracelets," he said. "If they were PWs or MIA they were normally honoured with a gold, silver or red bracelet. If they were KIA they were normally honoured with a black bracelet. "I believe it was returned servicemen who were missing comrades who began the tradition. Anyone can wear a bracelet for a fallen comrade whether they know the person or not. "I have a bracelet for a missing pilot who was lost over Laos in 1971. I wore it for about seven years before I took it off to wear the one honouring Sgt Russell." Capt Duke said it was a personal choice to honour Sgt Russell with a bracelet. "It was my first combat deployment and that night was the first time in my military career that the death of a Coalition soldier really affected me - we did not expect to be a part of the rescue, but we were, and we did it without hesitation." He said he could not divulge specifics of the operation for security reasons. "When we heard that Sgt Russell had passed away the entire crew was affected. It hit me harder than I expected. Although at the time I did not know his name, I knew he died in support of the coalition and I was grateful. "The idea for the bracelet came to me during my next deployment. I wondered if anyone remembered that night and the ultimate sacrifice Sgt Russell made in support of the War on Terror. "I wanted to have something to remind me and I also wanted a way for my crew to remember as well. "If Sgt Russell had any family I also wanted them to know we appreciated his service and sacrifice." He said he sent the bracelets to Sgt Russell's family, wife Kylie and daughter Leisa, earlier this year. "There were 21 people on my crew who will receive bracelets, including my CO and OPSO at the time of the event. "As a young cadet in high school and college I was taught to remember and appreciate those who had gone before me and sacrificed for freedom. By wearing the bracelet it is a symbol that we will never forget what everyday men and women do in the armed forces." Upon receipt of the bracelets, Sgt Russell's wife, Kylie, said to lose a life in war touches all those involved - whether they knew the person or not. "It is a tragic reminder of the world we live in and the sacrifices we make to protect our beliefs and freedom," she said. "Andrew died protecting our way of life so that our daughter could live in a safer world and with him gone we now rely on others to continue that fight. "For a country so busy with troops continuously deployed in various nations, it is amazing tribute to their fallen that they make sure to stop and find the time to remember fallen comrades. "This is a huge part of the Amercian culture that Drew has been included in on a number of occasions, which is a true sign and gesture of appreciation for our loss." Mrs Russell said it was an amazing and very much appreciated gesture of good will. "This bracelet will show Leisa that Drew's loss touched not only those in the Australian Army but also those serving alongside our troops."