Emily Elizabeth Clayburn's military career took her from the tiny village of Palatine Bridge to South Korea, Germany and two tours of duty in Iraq, her mother said Wednesday.

But the Air Force staff sergeant died Monday afternoon in an "industrial accident" on MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., according to the military and family members.
She was 29, and a member of the 6th Air Mobility Wing.

As word of Clayburn's death spread around Montgomery County on Wednesday, Michelle Clayburn of Gloversville recalled her daughter as a beautiful, caring person who worked hard for a career in the Air Force.

In an emotional interview, Clayburn could not say exactly how her daughter was killed.
"She was at work and a cargo load shifted, moved and fell on her," Michelle Clayburn said. "I want more details. We're getting a coroner's report soon."

MacDill officials said they were investigating what caused the staff sergeant's death. Col. Scott DeThomas, commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, said Clayburn will be missed by everyone in the wing and all who had the chance to serve with her.

Emily Clayburn grew up in Rochester and came to the Palatine Bridge area when she was in seventh grade. She graduated from Canajoharie High School, where she was a member of the swim team, according to her mother. Her specialty was the breaststroke.

Emily Clayburn considered joining the Marine Corps after high school. "We talked about the Marines, but we didn't want her to be on the front lines," Michelle Clayburn said. Emily Clayburn enlisted in the Air Force in 2003.

The airman was single and had no children, but considered her niece and nephew, Jack and Katie Bianchi, the light of her life, her mother said. Emily Clayburn last visited the area on Christmas and saw her entire family.

"She had a quick smile, was very silly, and could make anyone laugh," Michelle Clayburn said. "She was a compassionate, loving, loving, loving daughter. She loved all children and all animals."

The family was making funeral arrangements and waiting for Emily Clayburn's body to return to the Capital Region.

Palatine Bridge Mayor James Post said villagers were grieving the loss.

"It's very tragic when you lose someone so young in the community and while serving in the military," Post said. "It's a shock."