9/12/2009
SSgt Bryan D. Berky, a native of Tampa, Florida, joined the Air Force in 2002 and graduated from NAVSCOLEOD in July 2004. He served on tours in Afghanistan in 2007 and 2009. He was deployed from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. SSgt Berky was on his second deployment to Afghanistan when he died of wounds sustained from enemy fire while engaged in 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 is survived by his wife Erin and son Harrison; his parents Sonya and William Berky; and his brother Jeremy.