Beaver County Native Among 3 U.S. Troops Killed In Afghanistan

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Beaver County native was one of three U.S. service members killed Tuesday when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, 25, a 2012 Hopewell High School graduate, was a special tactics combat controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron. The 26th STS is part of the 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing, the only special tactics wing of the U.S. Air Force.

"Dylan had an unusual drive to succeed and contribute to the team. He displayed maturity and stoicism beyond his years, and was always level-headed, no matter the situation,” Lt. Col. Gregory Walsh, 26th STS commander, said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dylan's family, fiancé, and friends. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.”

According to the Air Force, Elchin deployed to Afghanistan in August and was embedded with a U.S. Army Special Operations Force Operational Detachment-Alpha team. His role was to advise the Ground Force commander, direct close air support aircraft, and deliver destructive ordnance on enemy targets in support of offensive combat operations.

Elchin was a qualified military static line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force qualified combat scuba diver, and a qualified joint terminal attack controller. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.

Photos via 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs.

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