AIR FORCE
SSGT Bryan D. Berky
09.2009
SSgt Bryan Berky was born in Tampa, FL on March 22, 1984 and was raised in Melrose, FL. He joined the Air Force in July 2002 and graduated from NAVSCOLEOD in July 2004. His assignments included 18 CES Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan and 28 CES Ellsworth AB, Rapid City, South Dakota. He served on tours to Kuwait in 2004 and to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2009.
SSgt Berky was killed in action on September 12, 2009 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained during enemy fire while supporting combat operations.
SSgt Berky’s awards and decorations include Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Meritorious Unit Award with one device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one device, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal with Gold Border with one device, Air Force Longevity Service, United States Air Force Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Senior EOD Badge.
SSgt Berky will be remembered not only for his dedicated military career, but also for his vivacious personality and passionate spirit. All who knew Berky were drawn to his sense of humor, huge smile, and infectious laughter. A man of many hobbies who loved music, fishing, rock climbing, and much more, Berky was a family man above all else. He was devoted husband, a proud father, a loving son, a great brother, and a loyal friend. Bryan made a huge impact during his 25 years and will live forever in the hearts of many.
SSgt Berky is survived by his wife Erin Berky, his son Harrison Berky, his parents Sonya and Bill Berky, and his brother Jeremy Berky.
Messages
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02.13.2012
Still missing you man… It was awesome knowing you, meeting your parents, and playing in Gainesville y’all, y’all, y’all… Wish you were still with us…
~ Dave Smyer | Spokane , WA
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01.10.2012
Never forgotten, this guy loved life and was never afraid to show it.
~ Wil Hutcheson | Tacoma, WA
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12.15.2011
Just know your always remembered at Ellsworth Air Force Base Eod shop
~ Hunter Dennis | Rapid City , SD
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09.22.2011
Miss you so much! <3
~ Erin Berky | , Select
The EOD Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legacy of our fallen EOD Warriors by providing for maintenance and upkeep of the physical memorial at Eglin AFB, FL, funding and facilitating the annual EOD Memorial Ceremony & Ball, and providing scholarships to family members of active duty, former, retired, and fallen members of the EOD Community.