Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honors fallen Airmen

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Jackie Chavis looks at the new Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honoring the eight security forces Airmen killed in conflict since 2005. Mrs. Chavis's son, Airman 1st Class LeeBernard Chavis, is among the Airmen honored by the exhibit, "Into the 21st Century." Airman Chavis was killed Oct. 14, 2006, while on duty in Baghdad. (U.S. Air Force photo/Robbin Cresswell)
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Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honors fallen Airmen

Posted 10/8/2010

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by Mike Joseph
502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs

10/8/2010 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- There was no hesitation for the mother of a fallen security forces Airman when the invitation was extended three months ago.

I'm going, she thought about the memorial run/walk and opening of a new exhibit at the Air Force Security Forces Museum Sept. 28 here. The events honored the eight security forces Airmen killed in conflict since 2005.

"It was important to me because (Lackland Air Force Base) was a part of the beginning," said Jackie Chavis. "I came to (my son's basic military training) graduation, he did his time, and then he was gone.

"I knew I had to be here. It was in my heart that I couldn't miss this," she said.

Mrs. Chavis' 21-year-old son, Airman 1st Class LeeBernard Chavis, from the 824th Security Forces Squadron, was killed Oct. 14, 2006, while on duty as a turret gunner with Iraqi police in Baghdad.

Family members of five of the eight fallen security forces Airmen were at the museum for the ribbon cutting of the newest exhibit, "Into the 21st Century." The opening culminated a four-year project that began as an idea by Milita Rios-Samaniego, the museum director/curator, to tell the security forces story of new and expanded roles in Southwest in overseas contingency operations.

In a show of support, more than 1,100 security forces Airmen from Lackland and Randolph Air Force bases lined the street in front of the museum as Brig. Gen. Jimmy McMillian addressed the families before the ribbon cutting ceremony.

"We, the defenders that surround you, are grateful and humbled by your presence here," said General McMillian, director of security forces and the deputy chief for Air Force Logistics, Installations and Mission Support.

"These brave Airmen stared danger in the face, protected their defenders and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country," he said. "We will never forget their selfless service. We owe you and them a tremendous debt of gratitude. We'll always think about what they contributed to us as a nation and especially our career field."

As the sun rose on the morning of the opening, Airmen and family members participated in a memorial 5K run and mile walk. It offered the opportunity to reflect on the possibility of retracing a loved one's footsteps.

"The run was such an honor with all of security forces out there," Mrs. Chavis said. "My son was part of an awesome group of people from the beginning. They've always been there."

Michael Chavis, Airman Chavis' younger brother, felt a kindred spirit during the run. He pushed himself to the finish with the belief he had followed his brother's footprint.

"As I saw (Airmen) go by, I kept going because they're running for my brother like I was running and walking for him," Mr. Chavis said. "I knew he walked and ran on these same streets. I felt connected."

For the first time, family members saw the names of the fallen Airmen memorialized on the wall in the museum's Hall of Honor and on the mock F-16 Fighting Falcons used for training at the Lackland AFB Training Annex. A memorial service and tour of the Security Forces Academy rounded out a full day.

"It is emotional," Mrs. Chavis said. "It's also an honor and a proud feeling. There's sadness in my heart, but the good memories of him and the honor displayed to all the families outweighs it."

Comments

12/29/2010 7:37:44 PM ET
@Edward So if you're a desk jockey in the army and you get blown up by a mortar inside the wire, are you still not given a hero's honor? A Hero's burial? Or is it argued that the manner in which you died is not worthy of such an honor? You are being disrespectful, thinking becuase we don't have rounds fly at us everyday that we're some how less of a warrior. I fight drunks, I'm a first responder to situations where people's lives are literally in your hands - vehicle accidents, suicides both attempted and complete. Dealing with pedophiles and child molesters that usually turn out to be military members.These are things WE do in security forces. I've only been in about 3 years now. I uphold the laws and articles of UCMJ while still maintaining the highest standard of professionalism. If you're in infantry, your job is COMBAT. If you're in Security Forces, your job is SECURITY. We do our job...you do yours. We are all in this together. Act like it.

Nick, BFE

10/19/2010 9:53:54 PM ET
@Edward Every Security Forces member carries their weapon with pride. We aren't trained to turn wrenches but we ARE trained to pick up our weapon and defend our country. That's why they call us the Defenders of the Force. Heed to every one's advice. Find out what we as SF do. You will be amazed at what you find out.

Defender, Lackland

10/18/2010 8:50:39 AM ET
I was not trying to be disrespectful. I was only stating a fact. I have family members in the Marines and the Army and to equate what Airman are going through with the struggles the Marines and Soldiers face every day is disrespectful to them. I understand being deployed to a combat zone is dangerous but it doesnt make you a warrior if you are just stationed there you have to be doing warrior like things to be considered a warrior. The South-side of Chicago is more dangerous than Iraq but the people who live and conduct business are not warriors. The Airmen contributes greatly to the mission but they are not warriors as much as the Ambassador to Iraq is considered a warrior. When I called them mechanics I wasn't putting them down. You have to be very intelligent to join the Air Force, they do not take just anybody. Once again my apologies to anyone who felt disrespected.

Edward, Air Base

10/15/2010 8:00:25 PM ET
@ Edward...Pretty amazing that you have the moxy to make those sort of comments and realize the team concept of Joint Warfare. You know the TEAM concept, Granted more Marines and Army grunts have died but to say Airmen are not warriors cheapens what those eight Airmen died for. Many of those were Air Force cops. In your shortsighted arrogance and ignorance I would tend to think the millions of American citizens would also think you are so very wrong.How about our fellow services on the ground who are thankful for that F-16 F-15E or the dreaded A-10 for wiping out a group of insurgents. Those miscreants who slow down and unfortunately kill our fellow team members.I would also be thankful for that Apache Longbow taking out a team of insurgents preparing to ambush our convoy if it were to happen to the group I was on. We have a person here in my unit who lost his Lt and was injured himself by an IED.

Chad Eagle, Offutt AFB

10/15/2010 8:32:07 AM ET
@Edward... to bad the mechanics do not fight the mission. how many Pilots or Mechanics lost their lives in combat Also to educate you a bit most of the Army missions were taken over by the USAF Security Forces because the Army kept messing up. You probably sit behind a desk and deployed once

Bryan, Edwards AFB

10/15/2010 1:07:38 AM ET
@EdwardAir Base.. Sir-Ma'am that is some really insecure stuff to say for those who have given their lives. For you to call them mechanics and non-warriors. Look at how they gave their lives it was in combat in a combat location. No doubt that the marines and army are warriors but those who raise their hand and sworn to protect their flag and country is something worth being called a warrior. While others are here on here reading it like you and I. Pay some respect and maybe one day once you get in the truck yourself. You will too see what these warrior airmen been through.

Jayme Raglin, osan

10/14/2010 10:58:21 PM ET
@Edward you might want to check yourself son. Each and every member of the US military that gives their life in the line of duty in a combat zone is a warrior. It is clear to me that you have never served in a combat zone. Because if you had you would have never commented the way you did. And just to let you in on a little something. Antwaan Sherman is a fine young NCO and a warrior to boot. I know I have served with him in the past. He is a fine example of what today's NCO should be like you could only dream to be as good as he is. RIP and blue skies to every US military member that has paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Mo, MidSouth

10/14/2010 8:58:53 PM ET
@ Anyone who does not respect the beret or anyone that wears it. A Security Forces Airman wearing a blue beret is just as much a warrior as the next service member in a flight cap a field hat or kevlar. The times of the Chair Force are long gone. We are a Defense Force we wake up arm up and defend. We are always ready and will be until everyone comes home.Regardless of what a nametap may read US ARMY US AIR FORCE US NAVY or US MARINE... We all have something in common we are serving the United States. Whether it be 1 or 1000000 lives lost a life lost is a loss to our great country. God bless them and their families.

Stacey L Richardson, Osan Air Base

10/14/2010 8:51:36 PM ET
Edward How could you say such a thing I was with Chavis in Baghdad. We worked along side the Army doing PTT missions. Maybe you should do your homework before you comment. I have seen guys do some amazing things on my tours while being deployed. Have you not been to a deployed location? Better yet have you not been outside the wire? Who are you to criticize? RIP Airmen you may be gone but you are not forgotten.

Paul, Ga

10/14/2010 8:16:27 PM ET
@ Edwards AFB. I just came off a 365 where I worked with 170 professionals and I consider most of them and myself warriors. I will salute anyone with courage enough to pick up and weapon and put their lives on the line for the man/woman fighting at their side. Check your history and try and tell me Secutiy Forces hasn't been in a conflict. And while you're at it have the courage enough to put your name to your post or contact me direct. RIP LT H and all the other we have lost.

Jacob Hastings, Osan AB

10/13/2010 11:22:22 AM ET
I remember attending the memorial service at Balad for A1C Chavis. I remember thinking about the young man who could have been my son. I remember thinking about how he was one of many responding to help and protect people he didn't know. I remember feeling sad about his death and how it would impact the family he left behind. I am glad the Defenders created a lasting memorial to him and the other Security Forces professionals who have given their lives to protect others. May they all rest in peace.

CMSgt Bill McCune, McConnell AFB KS

10/13/2010 9:29:43 AM ET
@Antwaan T. Sherman, Osan: How are the Airmen warriors? Only eight have died since 2005. I think you have to be in a conflict to be considered a warrior. The Army and the Marines are the real warriors. We need to salute them. The Airmen who are not pilots are mechanics. R.I.P to the Airmen.

Edward, Air Base

10/12/2010 8:54:02 AM ET
2009 090809 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton 2008 040308 SSgt Travis L. Griffin 2007 062307 A1C Jason D. Nathan 051407 SSgt. John T. Self 2006101406 A1C Leebernard E. Chavis 012206 SSgt Brian S. McElroy 012206 TSgt Jason L. Norton 2005 092805 A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson May they all rest in peace.

Capt Nikodem, Incirlik AB Turkey

10/10/2010 5:53:22 AM ET
It is important that we recognize and praise all of those who selflessly gave there lives in the line of duty wether it may have been on the streets of Iraq or Afganistan to the streets of an Installation...This was a great idea on the part of the director of the museum. RIP DEFENDERS

Adrian Cavazos, Kadena

10/9/2010 12:28:09 PM ET
They should have included a list of those defenders who the museum pays tribute to. Thanks for your sacrifice Bluesuiters

Mike Blades, Hanover PA

10/8/2010 9:18:12 PM ET
Semper Defensor

Dave, Denver CO

10/8/2010 7:17:00 PM ET
R.I.P. warriors...we got it from here. Defender Sherman

Antwaan T. Sherman, Osan

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