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U.S. Airman from Fredonia killed in overseas crash

Photo from the SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany

Another Western New York military member has been killed in a traffic crash.  24-year old U.S. Air Force Sergeant  Michael Klose died last Sunday in a traffic accident near Daun, Germany. 

Klose is from Fredonia.  He is a 2009-graduate of Fredonia High School.  He was stationed at the Spangdahlem Air Base since 2011. 

"Mike was a tremendous Airman -- a maintainer's maintainer who could fix anything," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Bryan Wong, 52nd EMS commander. "He had a contagious smile that brightened everyone's mood and had an outgoing personality that drew people to him. He had a positive impact not only to the squadron, but to everyone he met. He will be sorely missed."

Klose was posthumously awarded the rank of staff sergeant May 24.  A memorial service was held Thursday in Germany.  

It's the second time this month that a Western New York military member was killed in a crash.  U.S.  Army Lt. John Levulis died in a crash while traveling in a convoy in New Jersey. He was from Eden.