Veterans honor fallen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 20 Barksdale Airmen attended the Veterans of Foreign Wars memorial commendation presentation for Raider 21 at the 8th Air Force Museum August 12. 

VFW representatives, Kenneth Koval of the 5951 Chapter and Phil Volz, commander of the VFW District 12, presented the plaques to Col. West Anderson, 2d Bomb Wing Vice Commander, during the ceremony. 

"This is a large part of our institution and how we are a larger than normal family. This memorial shows how we honor those with which we serve and pay tribute when they make the ultimate sacrifice," said Chief Master Sgt. Donald Molner, 8th Air Force Museum chief of operations. 

"Being part of this event is important to me because I know it helps assure those who are closest to these Airmen, it helps them to know and understand their loved ones played an important role in our military and our lives," he added. 

Mr. Koval took care of the majority of preparations and organization in the event. The museum staff insured the display was built and set up. 

After the ceremony, many of the Airmen took the time to reflect on those that were lost. 

"I reflected on these peoples' lives, how precious they are. The memorial emphasized to me how we must always be prepared for such tragedy," said Chief Molner. 

"It is very important that we continue to remember them for the great Airmen that they were, and never forget that they died doing the mission that we all love to do. They can serve as an example for us today and for future members of our squadron as we go forward. I think it is important the we never forget their sacrifice," said Capt. Greg Watson, a Radar Navigator in the 20th Bomb Squadron. 

The plaques are dedicated to the Airmen of raider 21; Maj. Christopher M. Cooper, Maj. Brent D. Williams, Capt. Michael K. Dodson, 1st Lt. Robert D. Gerren , 1st Lt. Joshua D. Shepherd, Col. George T. Martin.