Ellsworth honors life of fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Ellsworth community came together to honor the life of an Airman who made the ultimate sacrifice during a memorial service at the Freedom Chapel Jan. 25, 2016.

Special Agent Peter Taub, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 816, died from wounds suffered during an attack by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2015.

Ellsworth's base leadership, chaplains and fellow Airmen came together with Taub's family and friends to pay tribute to the agent and his service.

"May we learn from Pete's example to be better people and better Airmen as we seek to live lives that would positively impact our world and community," said Chap. (Maj.) David Knight, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain.

Many co-workers of Taub shared words about his impact during their time together, including Special Agent Andre Franklin, AFOSI Det. 816 investigator and Taub's supervisor, who highlighted his enthusiasm for the job, contagious smile, and his love for his family.

"He was a standup guy," said Special Agent Irney Parton, AFOSI Det. 816 investigator. "He made me laugh, he made us all laugh, but he also stood up for me - he was a great guy."

Taub's courage led him to enlist in the Air Force in 2007. After completing basic and technical training, he was assigned to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, as an F-15 Eagle load crew team member.

In July 2011, he was assigned to Ellsworth AFB as a B-1 bomber load crew team member. In 2013, Taub retrained into the AFOSI where he was assigned to Det. 816 at Ellsworth, and then deployed.

Taub served with enthusiasm and honor throughout his career, added Special Agent Christopher Joers, AFOSI Det. 816 commander. His dedication and commitment earned him a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal and an Air Force Combat Action Medal, all awarded posthumously, in addition to other awards and recognition throughout his career in the Air Force.

Taub is survived by his wife, Christina, and daughter, Penelope.