Air Force Maj. Charles A. Ransom

Died April 27, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

31, of Midlothian, Va., assigned to 83rd Network Operations Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; died April 27 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from gunfire from an Afghan military trainee.

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Fallen airmen’s bodies arrive at Dover

By Jill Laster

Staff writer

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. — The bodies of eight airmen killed in Afghanistan returned to the U.S. early April 30, with the Air Force’s top leader in attendance.

The airmen and a U.S. contractor died April 27 when an Afghan pilot opened fire at Kabul International Airport, reportedly after an argument.

Top Air Force and military leaders — including Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy — were in attendance for the dignified transfer.

The Defense Department on April 29 released the names of the eight airmen killed in the attack. They include:

* Lt. Col. Frank D. Bryant Jr., 37, of Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

* Maj. Philip D. Ambard, 44, of Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.

* Maj. Jeffrey O. Ausborn, 41, of Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

* Maj. David L. Brodeur, 34, of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

* Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown, 33, of Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington, Md.

* Maj. Raymond G. Estelle II, 40, of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

* Capt. Nathan J. Nylander, 35, of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

* Maj. Charles A. Ransom, 31, of Langley-Eustis.

Also on April 29, the International Security Assistance Force released details of its initial investigation into the shooting, “in light of inaccuracy in media reports to date on this incident,” according to an ISAF release.

ISAF concluded that the gunman, who was carrying two weapons, left the room where the shooting occurred severely wounded, dying in a different location within the building. He appeared to be acting alone and had no connection with the Taliban, according to ISAF.

Va. American Legion post named for fallen airman

The Associated Press

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. — An American Legion post in Midlothian has been named in honor of an airman killed in a 2011 shooting in Afghanistan.

Media outlets report that American Legion Post 186 was named the Major Charles A. Ransom American Legion Post 186 during a ceremony on Saturday.

Former Gov. George Allen said during the ceremony that the move is in inspiration. He said it's essential to continue to give support to families who lost their loved ones.

The 31-year-old Ransom was among eight U.S. airmen killed when an Afghan military pilot opened fire at the Kabul airport. An American contractor also was killed.