BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The life and legacy of a 2nd Maintenance Group Airman is forever memorialized following a renaming ceremony of the Weapons Load Training facility to the Kidd Weapons Load Training facility on base, August 16, 2019.
Tech. Sgt. Joshua Kidd, 2nd MXG loading standardization crew chief, who lost his life on September 25, 2018, will always be remembered not only as a son, husband, father and pivotal part of the 2nd MXG, but as a member of the Barksdale family.
“This is huge to the maintenance group to honor the legacy of Tech. Sgt. Kidd,” said Col. Michael Colvard, 2nd MXG commander. “To see his name on the side of this building and know that he won’t only be remembered in the hearts and minds of our family, but the future generations to include his young son, that’s amazing.”
The building dedication came to fruition following a process that went all the way up to Gen. Timothy Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, for consent. During the ceremony, it was noted in the approval that “Sergeant Kidd’s unwavering leadership and influential legacy impacted the 2nd Bomb Wing and the weapons load community and is worthy of this honor.”
Kidd enlisted in the Air Force in March 2008. Aside from Barksdale, he had been stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. In attendance at the ceremony was his wife, Alyssa, and their son, Beckham, among other family members, friends, fellow Airmen and base leadership. Alyssa shared a few words on behalf of the family.
“I would wish more than anything that Josh could see this. There are no words to describe what it’s like to see all of you come out and support Joshua,” said Alyssa. “It’s a true testament to how he impacted each and every one of us.”
It is customary with all Air Force building dedications that a plaque is affixed to the building that follows specific guidelines regarding its shape, lettering and design. The final bronze plaque attached to the building forevermore will read “Kidd WLT Facility. Named in honor of Technical Sergeant Joshua L. Kidd, 2 July 1988 to 25 September 2018. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.”