Barksdale Sergeant completes final mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan M. Tracy
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Although his memory lives in infamy with-in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, Staff Sgt. Brian Spinks, a former heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration craftsman with the 2d Civil Engineer Squadron, has completed his final mission.

Family and friends packed the pews at Chapel 2 during a memorial ceremony for the fallen Barksdale Airman here Jan. 28.

The silence was deafening as Ms. Virginia Hill took to the stage to sing her rendition of "He's that kind of friend," by Walter Hawkins. Tears ran down the faces of many in attendance as everyone gathered to remember the loved one they had lost.

The memorial ceremony was held to give those who knew Sergeant Spinks a chance to remember and grieve, and served as a grim reminder that the Airman they described as a smiling, laughing and happy man, will no longer brighten up a room just by walking in.

Staff Sgt. Dontae "Jimmy" Williams flew in from Aviano Air Base, Italy, to honor and remember his long-time friend.

"He was truly a great man, a great father, an outstanding noncommissioned officer and a true friend to me," he said. "I'm a better person, a better friend and a better father because of Brian. He's truly going to be missed--gone too soon."

During the ceremony, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Spinks described a man full of life, who was always willing to help out those he cared about.

"He was a man who lived with a purpose," said Master Sgt. William Carey, Prime BEEF noncommissioned officer in charge, 2d CES. "He had value in his life. He loved people, he didn't care what color you were, what country you were from, and he just loved people. He tried to live so that he enjoyed his life. He was a blessing upon other people. When I think about principles and values, I think about Spinks."

Lt. Col. David Chisenhall, 2d CES commander, choked back tears as he described an Airman who epitomized the 2d Bomb Wing motto "Second to None."

"We are here today to pay our respects to a great American Airman, but more than that we're here to remember and celebrate the life and accomplishments of an Airman who has meant so much to so many," he said. "Brian was an outstanding HVAC mechanic who was full of life, one who never shied from throwing bones, talking it up a whole lot or showing off his warming smile.

"I thank God that the Air Force had Brian for almost 11 years," he added. "We're so proud of you Brian. Another may take your position, but you'll never be replaced."

Sergeant Spinks deployed four times during his short career--once to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, and three other times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned numerous awards and recognitions for his hard work and dedication. Posthumously, Sergeant Spinks earned the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and his Associate's Degree in Mechanical and Electrical Technology from the Community College of the Air Force.

Tech. Sgt. Angel Torres, one of Sergeant Spinks closest friends and co-workers, was unable to make it to the ceremony, as he is currently deployed in support of overseas contingency operations. Sergeant Torres sent in a letter that was read during the ceremony by fellow co-worker Tech. Sgt. Brian McKinney.

"I will miss the loud noise from bass coming through the parking lot knowing it would be Spinks," said Sergeant Torres. "I will miss seeing his Nissan in the parking lot. I will miss seeing him put bologna sandwiches in the shop refrigerator first thing in the morning. I will miss the lunch time domino tournaments or the Friday guy's nights at his house to get revenge on the lost domino games during the week.

"Brian's life ended too early but I know that he looks upon us every day and wants us to remember his legacy as kind, humorous and memorable," he continued. "This is not a time to grieve his death but to celebrate his life. Brian, we will never forget you and we thank you for touching our lives and giving us the opportunity to know such a great man. Until we meet again my friend remember that we love and miss you."

Sergeant Spinks died in an off-base incident in the early hours of the morning of Jan. 17, in Shreveport, La. His death was ruled a homicide.

The local Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Shreveport officials are continuing an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.