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455 AEW holds memorial vigil

  • Published
  • By Capt Toni Tones
  • 455 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing recognized two of its fallen comrades, and honored many others who have given their lives, during a wreath-laying and silent vigil ceremony here May 26. 

"As Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, we go forward, risk our lives, fight and sometimes die," said Brig. Gen. Mike Holmes, 455 AEW commander during the opening remarks. "It's fitting to be here on Memorial Day honoring our fallen comrades. It's also sobering considering we just paid tribute to another fallen hero earlier today during a fallen comrade ceremony...a testament that our struggle continues." 

Tech. Sgt. William Jefferson and Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner were recognized with nameplates and joined 19 other Airmen on the Fallen Airmen Board located on the wall of Route 5/6 on Camp Cunningham. Camp Cunningham is named after Pararescueman Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham, who gave his life in Afghanistan while saving 10 others. 

Sergeant Jefferson, a combat controller working with Special Forces, died March 22 of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Zharmi District of Kandahar Province. Sergeant Jefferson was assigned to the 21 Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. 

Airman Yelner, a convoy driver assigned to the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team, died April 29 of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device near Tag Ab in Kapisa Province. Airman Yelner was a B-1B weapons load crew member assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. 

"Today we started out with a fallen comrade ceremony honoring a hero like our Airmen who were recognized...all were individuals who put service before self," said 455 AEW Command Chief Master Sgt. Ray Clark. "Ceremonies like these put everything in perspective defining why we are here, and more importantly, why we serve." 

General Holmes echoed the Chief's sentiments describing the ceremony as "simple, but powerful and important." 

"Today, we remember and renew our commitment," said the general. "We will not tire; we will not falter; and we will not fail at the task we're given. We must remain faithful to it and to each another." 

Immediately following the ceremony, General Holmes and Chief Clark took the first of 66 watches during the 11-hour silent vigil where 131 Airmen and one civilian guarded the wreath laid at the camp's flag pole from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.