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Fallen security forces Airman honored at Sather, Balad

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq --  Memorial services were held April 5 and 6 here and at Balad Air Base, Iraq, for Staff Sergeant Travis Griffin, a member of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Detachment 3.

Airmen, Soldiers and civilians of both bases gathered to pay their respects for Sergeant Griffin, who was killed in action April 3 while performing his duties as a truck commander with Shadow squad 3-1 on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. His vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, mortally wounding him and severely injuring his three fire-team members. Sergeant Griffin, a Springboro, Ohio, native, was a member of the Police Transition Team, conducting training and transition operations with Iraqi Police forces.

The ceremonies began with a welcome and invocation by chaplains assigned to the bases.

"Let me tell you about Sergeant Griffin," Tech. Sgt. John Neal, 732nd ESFS, Det 3, began during the ceremony here. "He was a leader; he was brave, and he was God-fearing. He did his job and he did it exceptionally well. You could not have asked for a better man for this job."

There were many others who spoke about Sergeant Griffin's professionalism, dedication and exemplary performance. They also told of his shining personality and compassion for others.

"As his commander, I knew Staff Sgt. Griffin as one of the finest NCOs I've ever had the honor to work with," said Maj. Allan Fiel, the detachment's commander. "He led from the front and was always prepared. While he was one of the finest NCOs ... he was an awesome friend."

Major Fiel continued by telling of the flight he spent the evening talking with; the people who worked closely with Sergeant Griffin. He told the crowd of Airmen, Soldiers and civilians of the stories they shared in their grief; trying to remember the good times and work through this most difficult time.

"While Sergeant Griffin's death dealt a deep blow to all of us, we can take comfort in knowing that he died doing what he loved to do," the major said. "He heard his nation's call and he shouldered the most difficult responsibilities so others didn't have to."

Another speaker, Staff Sgt. Ryan Dornan began with a Dean Alfange quote that began, "I do not choose to be a common man ..." After using the quote to describe the passion Sergeant Griffin had for his job, and the compassion he had for others, Sergeant Dornan described how the morning of April 3 began. "The usual laughing and joking; trading insults and checking e-mail. As if it were part of a checklist, Travis led us in our daily prayer. He thanked God for another beautiful day in our lives, asking God to watch over us - keep us out of harm's way."

Although choked up, the sergeant continued, "I don't know why God took Travis from us, and I don't think I'll ever know. But, Travis, I want to tell you 'thanks,' with your leadership and training, our squad knew to react exactly the way you trained them in that situation. We tried everything we could to try to save you. You would've been proud of your squad, 'cause we were so very proud of you. Travis, you'll always be in our hearts and minds forever. We love you, brother."

Emotions ran thick throughout the large tents where the ceremonies took place. Following the remarks at both locations, Sergeant Griffen's Bronze Star citation was read. It included a long list of brave and heroic acts.

A flag was then folded somberly by the Sather AB honor guard, followed by the rifle volley. Taps could be heard throughout the small air base, and the attendees seemed to feel each note to their cores.

"He'd be the first to say, 'the mission must go on,'" said Chaplain (Capt.) James Claggett, 447th AEG chapel, during the Sather AB ceremony. "We need to be ready to roll."
"He would've laid down his life for any of you, and I know after talking to you, you would've done the same for him," the chaplain spoke to the members of Det. 3. "Know the love that he had for you, and the love you have for each other - that is what will endure. Now is the time to watch out and care for each other. Find peace in the strength of conflict. When the time comes, you will find the strength to lead, and you will be ready to roll."