Barksdale dedicates building in memory of fallen hero

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sabrina D. Foster
  • 2nd Bomb wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 200 Team Barksdale members, community leaders, family and friends, gathered at the Fitness Center March 8 to pay honor and tribute to the legacy of a hero who gave his all in the defense of his country.

The Fitness Center was officially renamed "The Senior Airman Bryan Bell Fitness Center" during a dedication ceremony.

Bell, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician assigned to the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed Jan. 5, 2012, by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, talked about the accomplishments of Bell.

"First and foremost Bryan was a member of the Deuce. In many ways when accomplishing his impressive feats he was a symbol of the 2nd Bomb Wing.

Now, I never met Bryan, but I wish I had. I've heard said that nobody ever had a better outlook towards life. He joined the Air Force in 2007, and in his four short years in the Air Force, Senior Airman Bell directly contributed to more than 209 successful counter-IED missions; cleared IEDs from an area of over 745 miles of supply routes; trained local Iraqi and Afghan units on CIED tactics, techniques, and procedures; earned the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, both the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals and the Purple Heart.

Bryan would do anything he could to help those around him, even if it meant putting aside his own needs and wants.

Men and women of the Barksdale family-that is why we are here today. Not to grieve over Bryan... to simply honor his sacrifice and his legacy by providing a way to remember Senior Airman Bell's example for years to come.

Future Airmen will walk through the front entrance of the Bell Center and see Bryan's picture and his bomb suit. They will learn of his legacy. When they do, they will remember Bryan as a man with a wonderful smile and the courage to tackle a tough job so that our nation could remain safe and free. I can't think of a better way to remember a man than that."

Senior Airman Candice Bell, Bryan's sister, stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, shared remarks on behalf of the Bell family.

"Wow, this is an amazing turnout. I can't believe you all are taking time out of your busy schedule to be here," said Bell.

"Thanks to everybody who had anything to do with this. Even though it has taken a year, we still can't believe it, it's amazing and there are no words to express how much we thank you."

Candice recalled Bryan as a kind, loving individual who cared about those around him and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Because of his size, she referred to him as a "big, friendly giant".

After the remarks, Bell's family unveiled the new name on the side of the Fitness Center in big, brown, bold letters - "SrA Bryan Bell Fitness Center".

Immediately following the first unveiling, the crowd, led by Gebara and the Bell family, gathered at the main entrance of the facility to unveil the official Air Force memorial plaque that will be seen by thousands as they make their way in and out of the Bell fitness center.

The plaque, affixed to its permanent structure outside Building 3800 reads:

Bell Fitness Center
Named in Honor of
Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell
KIA Afghanistan, January, 5, 2012
A Courageous Gentle Giant....
Loved and Respected by All Whom He Touched

Dedicating a building does not happen overnight, and a lot of behind the scenes paperwork has to be accomplished in order to make this a reality.

In accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3108, "The intent of the Air Force Memorialization Program is to provide lasting honor and pay tribute to deceased as well as living Air Force military and civilian personnel with records of outstanding and honorable service. This program also fosters favorable relations between the public and the Air Force. All memorializations should be carefully evaluated to ensure that only the most deserving persons are selected. These selections should bring honor and goodwill to the Air Force and local communities."

A memorialization request, along with a biography, supporting data reflecting the association of the person with the installation, a base map indicating the real estate (facility) considered for naming, and a memorandum from the wing commander or vice commander stating sources reviewed to verify the individuals background, and that no derogatory information was found that would preclude memorialization honors had to be submitted to Air Force Global Strike Command for this request to be considered.

"The idea to rename a building in Bell's honor was a collective decision," said Steven Vincent, 2nd CES deputy commander. "It involved the 2nd CES, 2nd Mission Support Group and 2nd Bomb Wing leadership."

AFI 36-3108 lists facilities on installations that may also be considered for memorialization such as clubs, libraries and service centers, but the Fitness Center held the most significance to rename in Bell's honor.

"The Fitness Center was chosen because it is an extremely visible facility," said Vincent. "Virtually every active duty member as well as many civilians and retirees visit the facility on a regular basis. Also, fitness is of paramount importance to the EOD mission. These two factors made it an obvious choice in honoring the first combat fatality from the 2nd Bomb Wing since World War II."

All gave some, but Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, gave all. Gone, but not forgotten. His legacy will live on forever at Barksdale Air Force Base.