In memory of 11 fallen defenders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Team Malmstrom members gathered at the Grizzly Bend on May 24 to honor, and pay respect to, nine security forces Airmen and two military working dogs who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the War on Terror.

The 11 members honored were:
· Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson
· Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton
· Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy
· Airman 1st Class Leebernard E. Chavis
· Staff Sgt. John Thomas Self
· Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan
· Staff Sgt. Travis L. Griffin
· 1st Lt. Joseph Dennis Helton Jr.
· Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden
· Marco, MWD
· Arras, MWD

The host of the event, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lombardi, 341st Security Support Squadron member; began the ceremony by reciting a letter he had written to the fallen security forces members. He then invited guests to walk around and visit tables set up to feature each of the 11 members.

"I decided there was something I could do to really tell these people's stories," Lombardi said. "What you see here is the result of that. It's the result of about 100 hours of gathering the information and making sure every piece was in place."

Lombardi was inspired to hold the event after receiving the 2011 Elizabeth Jacobson Award for Expeditionary Excellence. Following the presentation of that award, he asked himself if he represents her name the way it needs to be represented. He wanted to honor Jacobson and other security forces members who have fallen, and also give Malmstrom's defenders a reason to be proud of their jobs.

"When it comes to wearing the badge and beret, I'm so honored because it's a very significant and special career field," he said. "We get to see these 11 individuals and know we're still upholding their honor and legacy just by putting on that badge and beret ..."

Each tribute included the defender's photo, biography and how they died. There was also a notepad and pen at each table, allowing attendees to write notes to the families of the fallen Airmen.

"I just hope that at the end of the day I can say to the families, 'I did my best to let people know your son or daughter didn't die in vain,'" Lombardi said. "Because today, every single man, woman and child in America is a part of the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Also on display at the event was a list of security forces individuals killed in hostile and non-hostile actions since the 1950s. There was also a vase of 12 roses, each rose representing each year since 9/11, as well as printed Air Force core guidance including the Airman's creed, security forces creed, code of conduct and more.

"... It truly goes to our Airman's creed where it says '[I am faithful to] a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor,'" Lombardi said. "One of the things I love is that saying is so true. Ever since the Army Air Corps, we've continued to give our best, 110 percent, day-in and day-out. When I put my uniform on, although it may look a little different, it's still the same uniform outstanding individuals have worn for years."