Chief Roy Honors The Fallen
(June 1, 2011) |
| | | WASHINGTON (AFNS - 5/30/2011) -- To some Americans, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend which unofficially starts the vacation season and outdoor fun. But, to people associated with the military, this weekend means much more. | 
About 100 people observe a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 2011, honoring those who gave their lives in service in the last year. The ceremony was at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., and hosted by the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants' Association. During the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy read the names of each of the Airmen who died in combat in the past year. U.S. Air Force photo by Scott M. Ash |
| Memorial Day represents a specific time to show reverence, gratitude and respect to the men and women who have died fighting in service to the United States.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to a gathering of about 150 people at the Air Force Memorial May 30 as he read the names of the 26 Airmen who gave their lives in combat over the past year.
"These men and women were doing their part for the nation when extraordinary circumstances occurred and they stepped up to become heroes," Chief Roy said.
The list of Airmen who lost their lives in combat since Memorial Day 2010:
Senior Airman Nicholas Alden, South Carolina
Maj. Philip Ambard, Washington
Maj. Jeffrey Ausborn, Alabama
Maj. David Brodeur, Massachusetts
Master Sgt. Tara Brown, Florida
Lt. Col. Frank Bryant, Tennessee
Staff Sgt. Andrew Bubacz, South Carolina
Senior Airman Michael Buras, Georgia
Maj. Raymond Estelle, Connecticut
Tech. Sgt. Michael Flores, Texas
Senior Airman Mark Forester, Alabama
1st. Lt. Joel Gentz, Michigan
Staff Sgt. Joseph Hamski, Iowa
Senior Airman Michael Hinkle, California
Capt. Nathan Nylander, Texas
Airman 1st Class Christoffer Johnson, Tennessee
Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, Illinois
Lt. Col. Gwendolyn Locht, Florida
Airman 1st Class Corey Owens, Texas
Capt. Charles Ransom, Virginia
Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez, Texas
Staff Sgt. David Smith, Alabama
Tech. Sgt. Kristoffer Solesbee, California
Senior Airman Benjamin White, Tennessee
Staff Sgt. Leslie Williams, Alaska
Capt. David Wisniewski, Iowa
"These Airmen demonstrated amazing courage, embodying the core value of Service Before Self,' Chief Roy said. "They are representative of the Airmen who served our nation throughout history."
Not only are those who died in combat remembered on this day, the day is used to remember all service members who have served and passed.
"I ask you to also pause and remember our other Airmen who have passed on ... please keep the families of these brave Airmen in your thoughts and prayers," Chief Roy said.
"As we come together today to remember our fallen Airmen, I also ask each of you to pause and remember our warriors who are putting their lives on the line...in distant lands, far away from friends and family."
| By Air Force News Service
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