Ark. Soldier Among Those Killed in Afghan Crash

LITTLE ROCK, Ark – An Arkansas woman whose son and 37 others were killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan says he was a hero.

Elizabeth Newlun confirmed Sunday that her son, Air Force Tech Sgt. John W. Brown, died in the crash. Newlun says Brown was a paramedic whose unit was attached to the Navy SEALs.

She says her son was athletic and went to John Brown University on a swimming scholarship. Newlun says he wanted to go into medicine, but instead joined the military after seeing a video about a special tactical unit.

Brown attended high school with state Rep. Jon Woods, who called him the ideal model for a soldier -- tall, physically fit and smart.

Newlun says Brown will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.