Union Airman Dies Following Training Exercise

By: staff | News Channel 7
Published: January 15, 2009

After serving three tours in Iraq a 30-year old Airman from Union died Monday following a training exercise at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

The Air Force says Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Wilburn lost consciousness while participating in an above-water treading exercise at the Lackland training pool on January 9. Holcombe Funeral Home in Union says funeral plans for Wilburn have not been completed.

Wilburn's mother says he went by his middle name, Jason and graduated from the old Union High School. His widow is currently pregnant and expecting a girl. Wilburn also leaves behind another daughter.
"He just wanted to save people, basically he wanted to go out there and make a difference," his widow, Beccy Wilburn, said.

The combat control apprentice died three days later at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. He never regained consciousness after the incident.

Wilburn was stationed at Moody Air Force base in Lakleand, Georgia where he was a member of the 820th Security Group. He was assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron in Texas for training.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Sergeant Wilburn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of grief,“ said Brigadier General Leonard A. Patrick, 37th Training Wing commander in a written release.

The Air Force continues to investigate the incident.

Wilburn was a decoracted member of the Air Force. Commendations and awards included:
Air Force Commendation Medal w/ 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal w/ 2 oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit Award w/ 2 oak leaf clusters, Outstanding Unit Award with Valor w/ 5 oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/ 3 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal w/ 1 bronze device, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Medal w/ gold border.

The photos belowed were given to News Channel 7 by Wilburn's family:

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