Tributes To 'Shining Star' RAF Airman, 21

A Royal Air Force airman killed while on patrol in Afghanistan's Helmand Province has been named as Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin.

The 21-year-old was in the Western Dashte area on the edge of Nad-e Ali on Monday when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire from an insurgent attack.

Tributes have been paid to SAC Tomlin, who was from Hemel Hempstead and was described by his family as "our true hero and shining star".

He joined the RAF in 2008 and had completed a previous tour in Afghanistan in 2010 as part of 2 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment.

He deployed to the country again in October 2011, to serve with the Number 3 RAF Force Protection Wing at Camp Bastion.

There, he and his section supported operations out on the ground around the base, often being deployed for several days at a time during the harsh Helmand winter.

He leaves behind his mother and father, Diane and Kevin, and a sister, Michelle.

The family of SAC Tomlin said: "Ryan loved and lived life to the full. He gave his life at a very young age doing the job he loved.

"Ryan will be sorely missed by his family and friends and everyone who loved him.

"We will remember his cheeky grin and great sense of humour. Ryan will be forever young and never forgotten. Our true hero and shining star."

Wing Commander Jason Sutton OBE, Commanding Officer, Number 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said: "SAC Tomlin was one of the finest men on my wing and his loss has come as a terrible blow to all of us, especially his comrades on his beloved 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment.

"Bright, gifted and an absolute master of his craft, he had the complete trust of those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

"When the task was hard, he would immediately rise to the challenge. When those around him were weary, he was the one to lift their spirits, and when the enemy threatened, he was the first to be ready to fight."

Senior Aircraftman Robert Zuccolini, Signaller, 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, Number 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said: "As a close friend of Ryan, I feel privileged to have known someone as talented, funny and outgoing who would always be there for you, who you could lean on, count on no matter what."