Luke pilot named in Iraq F-16 crash Published Nov. 30, 2006 By 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 56th Fighter Wing LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The Department of Defense announced Wednesday the identity of a Luke Airman listed as Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert was the pilot of an Air Force F-16 engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Monday. As the Thunderbolt went to press Thursday, Major Gilbert's status was listed as "Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown." "Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown" is an interim designation used while official verification of a service member's status is conclusively determined. "Everyone's priority at this time is providing as much factual information and support as possible to the Gilbert family," said Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, in an announcement to Phoenix area media on Wednesday. "We are in constant contact with Air Force officials in Iraq and at U.S. Central Command Air Forces, and we are providing updates to the family as soon as we receive the information," the general said. Major Gilbert deployed in September from the 309th Fighter Squadron to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to CENTAF, Major Gilbert was actively supporting coalition ground combat operations at the time of the crash. Major Gilbert has been assigned to Luke since March 2004. He has served as an instructor pilot and was the assistant director of operations for the 309th Fighter Squadron. For two years, he served as the 56th FW's executive flying officer. "Major Gilbert is well known here at Luke," General Jones said. "He is an outstanding officer, an outstanding pilot, and an outstanding friend to many people here. But most importantly, above all else, he treasures his family and is a man of strong faith and conviction. "We have devoted a strong and compassionate team of friends from our base to support the family in this difficult time. The Luke family is close-knit and this news affects us all." FAMILY STATEMENT The following is a statement from the Gilbert family to the Phoenix, West Valley community. "Troy was first and foremost a wonderful husband and father. His Christian faith, personal values, and work ethic guided his personal life and his career as a military officer. He was highly respected by and deeply loved by so many. At the time of the tragedy during combat operations, he was unselfishly protecting the lives of other American military members. We, his family, cherish the worldwide prayers and support during this extremely difficult time." TRUST FUND FOR GILBERTS ESTABLISHED For members of the public interested in assisting the Gilbert family, Fighter Country Partnership, a community support organization for the men and women of Luke Air Force Base, has established a sub account under the 5013C Foundation for the Gilbert Family. The title of this account is "The Gilbert Family." Interested members of the public may write a check to "The Gilbert Family" and drop the check off at any Credit Union West Branch or they can mail the check to Fighter Country Partnership at 500 North Estrella (estraya) Parkway, Suite B-2, PMB #479, Goodyear, Arizona, 85338. Fighter Country Partnership emphasizes that this may be a tax deductible donation. For more information, contact Steve Yamamori, FCP executive director, at (602) 369-3531. For any member of the public using a financial institution outside Arizona, you can ask the financial institution for assistance in electronically wiring the funds directly to the Gilbert family account. For information on electronic wiring, financial institutions can contact Robin Reed at Credit Union West at (602) 631-3218 for more information, to include routing/account information.