Barry Holmes

Airman First Class Barry Holmes, Senior Airman Donald Heitkamp, Staff Sergeant Charles Huskey, and their two pilots were killed when their UH-1 helicopter crashed shortly after 3:00 pm, near Bear Butte State Park, South Dakota.

They were providing security for a missile maintenance movement for a convoy from Ellsworth AFB to Opal when the accident occurred. An additional Security Policeman who was participating in the security of the convoy was the only sole survivor of the crash.

Airman Holmes served with the United States Air Force Security Forces for more than two years and was assigned to the 45th Missle Security Squadron.

Barry and I was on camper teams together and then we moved to airborn.
We triped out to the feild many times together. We spent many hours together, we laughed, we talked and we spent many good times together.
Barry had a good soul and was a good friend to all that new him.

Sgt. Timothy L. Weeks
45th MSS
October 14th, 2025