Car accident takes life of Airman Published Feb. 9, 2007 POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airman Michael Byles was an information manager with the 43rd Communications Squadron. He was assigned to the Base Information Transfer Center where he processed, controlled and delivered administrative communications to the base populace. He was responsible for sorting, weighing and metering outgoing official mail; and processing and securing accountable mail, including classified materials. His "can do" attitude ensured that he and his team were able to maintain a strict daily official mail distribution schedule supporting over 5,500 personnel at Pope. Airman Byles was born in Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 3, 1984. He was a 2003 graduate of Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School in Nashville. Upon graduation from high school, he briefly attended Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University before enlisting in the Air Force Feb. 7, 2006. Airman Byles arrived at Pope June 11, 2006, after completing six weeks of technical training at Keesler AFB, Miss. His overwhelming desire to excel led him to train himself on the proper use of the Ionscanner, which subsequently led to the identification of a letter traced with an explosive substance. During his free time, he enjoyed listening to music and playing football and basketball. He was a member of the 43rd CS 2006 Base Champion football team, the squadron's Sharp Troop winner for September 2006 and the Flight Professional of the Month for November 2006. During his short tenure, Airman Byles was awarded the Air Force Training Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. He is survived by his 5-month old son, Michael Jr., of Nashville, Tenn; his mother, Tongie L. Thompson of Antioch, Tenn; his father, William L. Byles of Nashville, Tenn., five brothers, three sisters and two stepsisters. He also leaves to mourn a host of coworkers, relatives and friends. (Courtesy of the 43rd Communication Squadron)