News>Vandenberg officials hold memorial service for fallen Airman
Photos
Family and friends of Senior Airman Daniel Johnson escort his remains into the First Christian Church Oct. 13, 2010, in Santa Maria, Calif. Airman Johnson, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight technician, was killed in the line of duty Oct. 5, 2010, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Luke Thelen)
Members of the of 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight here carry Senior Airman Daniel Johnson to a hearse Oct. 13, 2010, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Airman Johnson, an EOD technician, was killed in the line of duty Oct. 5, 2010, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)
Airmen salute as Senior Airman Daniel Johnson's casket is transferred from a memorial service to another service for the fallen Airman Oct. 13, 2010, in Santa Maria, Calif. Airman Johnson, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight technician, was killed in the line of duty Oct. 5, 2010, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lael Huss)
by Senior Airman Steve Bauer
30th Space Wing Public Affairs
10/15/2010 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- A memorial service was held for a fallen Airman Oct. 13, at the Base Chapel here.
Hundreds of people filled the chapel's pews to pay their final respects to Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician who was killed in action Oct. 5, west of Kandahar, Afghanistan, by a roadside bomb.
"Dan died not just defending the United States, but also the entire world against those who use terror to impose their will upon others," said Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander. "He died doing a job he enjoyed and serving a country he loved so that others may live in peace and freedom."
Airman Johnson joined the Air Force in November 2006. After completion of technical training, he was assigned to Vandenberg AFB in October 2007. Since his enlistment, he has been deployed twice. He served a seven-month tour of duty in Iraq in 2009 and was deployed to Afghanistan in August 2010.
"Dan was the epitome of an EOD tech," said Lt. Col. Timothy Dodge, the 30th CES commander. "He was known for his expertise and the training of others."
Airman Johnson received three medals from the Afghanistan deployment including the Bronze Star with valor, the Air Force Combat Action Medal and the Purple Heart. The medals were presented to his family during the memorial service.
The medals were earned during an operation in which Airman Johnson's team met heavy resistance in the form of victim-operated improvised explosive devices, arranged in a way to deny maneuver and defeat enemy forces. Airman Johnson used mine detection equipment to clear safe approaches and areas. His team engaged and defeated six improvised explosive devices and preformed two post-blast analyses, which provided valuable intelligence.
According to the Airman Johnson's Bronze Star citation, "Airman Johnson bravely approached and cleared an area heavily laden with improvised explosive devices and was single-handedly responsible for saving the life of an Afghan National Army soldier who was injured by a concealed booby trap by providing combat lifesaver care."
"He is an American hero -- one who fought for his country and died for his country," Colonel Dodge said. "He really made a difference in the lives of others."
Comments
10/20/2010 1:35:00 PM ET Our hearts go out to Airman Johnson's family at this most difficult time. We thank him for his service and his courage to serve. He will always be remembered and honored. May you all find peace and healing.
L Carroll, Ohio
10/17/2010 7:27:49 AM ET RIP Airman Johnson. Thank you for your service. Prayers to your family. .RF Shields, SMSgt Retired
Bob Shields, North Carolina
10/16/2010 9:46:07 PM ET Your family can never be thanked enough for their ultimate sacrifice. My heart goes out ot Airman Johnson's mother and father. They raised a fine son one to be proud of. Godspeed.
Citadelmom South Carolina, SC
10/16/2010 1:56:34 PM ET Rest in peace Airman Johnson. Many thoughts and prayers for the family friends loved ones.
Chief Smith, Hill AFB
10/15/2010 5:54:14 PM ET RIP Dan. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this nation. Another fallen comrade who risked it all so that we could live in peace and happiness. God Bless you and your family.
