Bridge dedicated to Air Force staff sergeant killed in line of duty

A Beaver County serviceman killed in the line of duty was honored Saturday with a bridge dedication in his name.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, a Special Tactics combat controller, had deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was killed Nov. 27, 2018 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

The Vanport Bridge, which carries Interstate 376 over the Ohio River between Potter Township and Vanport in Beaver County, was renamed the USAF Combat Controller Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin Memorial Bridge during a ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign War Post 128 in Rochester on Saturday.

“On Nov. 11, 2012, Veterans Day, Dylan wrote on Facebook, ‘I want to thank all of those who pay for our freedom, which some take for granted,’” Ron Bogolea, Elchin’s grandfather, said in a statement. “Little did he know, six years later, he would pay that price. Dylan’s life of duty, courage, sacrifice, and love of country reminds us what is good in ourselves and it teaches our children what is great about America.”

Elchin was a recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Army Commendation With Valor, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the NATO Medal, according to a statement from the U.S. Air Force 24th Special Operations Wing public affairs office.

“I find it amazing to have the opportunity to witness the legacy and memory of Dylan being carried on, especially by his local community…seeing Dylan’s hometown uniting through his memory, especially someone like Dylan who gave everything for that community and this nation, is awesome,” U.S. Air Force Capt. Marty Bouma, a flight commander with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, said in a statement. “Dylan was one of the most selfless individuals I’ve met, but I know the way the community has come together in this would make him proud.”