Senior Airman Ashley Kaid, a 48th Security Forces Squadron desk sergeant at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, gives remarks during a memorial service in Hangar 7 March 11, 2011, for Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden. Airman Alden, assigned to the 48th SFS, was killed during a shooting March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered to honor the memory of Airman Alden. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.)
Members of the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, held a memorial service in Hangar 7 March 11, 2011, for Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden. Airman Alden, assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron, was killed during a shooting March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered to honor the memory of Airman Alden. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Cory Payne)
A color guard, comprising Airmen from the 48th Security Forces Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, post the colors during a memorial service in Hangar 7 March 11, 2011, for Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden. Airman Alden, assigned to the 48th SFS, was killed during a shooting March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered to honor the memory of Airman Alden. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Cory Payne)
Col. John Quintas, the 48th Fighter Wing commander at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, reflects on the family and the mission during a memorial service in Hangar 7 March 11, 2011, for Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden. Airman Alden, assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron, was killed during a shooting March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered to honor the memory of Airman Alden. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.)
Lt. Col. Michael Ross, the 48th Security Forces Squadron commander at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, presents the American flag to Trish Alden, wife of Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden. Airman Alden, assigned to the 48th SFS, was killed during a shooting March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered to honor the memory of Airman Alden. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - Four F-15s fly a missing-man formation during a memorial service March 11, 2011, in honor of Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden, a security forces journeyman killed in action during a shooting incident at Frankfurt International Airport on March 2, 2011. More than 500 Airmen, family and friends were in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.)
by Senior Airman David Dobrydney
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
3/12/2011 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (AFNS) -- More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered in Hangar 7 here March 11 to honor the memory of Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden.
Airman Alden, a 48th Security Forces Squadron senior patrolman, was killed March 2 in a shooting at Frankfurt International Airport.
The service painted a picture of a devoted man who deeply loved his family and his unit.
The first eulogy was given by Elder Craig Wright of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"I am humbled to know that we are gathered here as a family seeking to reach out to an individual and his family. What a powerful principle you are demonstrating here today," Elder Wright said.
The elder went on to tell the audience about Airman Alden's upbringing and family life.
"He was dependable, he took on a lot at a young age to help his single mother," he said. "He loved life and was a loyal son, husband and brother."
Col. Cassie Barlow, the 48th Mission Support Group commander, spoke next, saying to Airman Alden's children, Lilly and Will, "I'm going to tell you about your awesome dad."
Airman Alden was a stellar security forces Airman, Colonel Barlow said, both at his previous assignment at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and RAF Lakenheath. After he mastered his specialties, he helped other Airmen learn theirs.
"(Airman Alden) was a professional who knew his job inside and out," Colonel Barlow said. "He was always looking for a problem to solve and making our Air Force a better place."
A testament to the far-reaching effects of Airman Alden's death, Louis Susman, the U.S. Ambassador to Britain, brought with him a message from President Barack Obama.
"(President Obama) said, and I quote, 'His death stands as a stark reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices all of our men and women in uniform are making all around the world,'" Ambassador Susman said.
Col. John T. Quintas, the 48th Fighter Wing commander, spoke directly to Airman Alden's wife, Trish.
"I hope you feel like you are surrounded by family, because you are," he said, telling the audience of the unique place security forces holds within the Air Force.
"Their mission is to protect and defend, to rush to the sound of gunfire and stand in harm's way," Colonel Quintas continued before lauding the amount of support that has appeared from across the Lakenheath community and the world.
"On March 2 we saw the worst of human nature," he said, "but we responded with the best we and our allies had to offer."
After such glowing words from clergy, military and civilian leaders, a few of Airman Alden's fellow security forces Airmen came forward to offer their thoughts. One was Staff Sgt. Trevor Brewer, who survived the shooting that took Airman Alden's life.
"He wasn't just a subordinate, he was a brother," Sergeant Brewer said. "Every time he walked into a room, it lit up. It was an honor and a privilege to know him."
As eulogies concluded, Airman Alden was posthumously awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal as a 21-gun rifle volley sounded, and a "missing man" formation of F-15 Eagles roared overhead.
The gathered Airmen and families then were allowed to come forward to pay their last respects to Airman Alden.
"I'm extremely proud of Nick Alden and all the other defenders who were worthy to stand at his side, behind him, in front of him, and will now stand in his place," said Lt. Col. Michael Ross, the 48th SFS commander. "He will always be part of our lives."
Comments
3/15/2011 1:54:15 PM ET Why in the world are our Airmen and soldiers forced to deploy without their weapons in transit? These cowardly terrorists would never have attempted such an attack against our warfighters if they were allowed to carry the same weapons they are headed into battle with. Why aren't they properly protected by local police (Polizei) during travel? Now other terrorists know that buses of warfighters arrive at Franfurt Airport unprotected and can target new groups. Wake up commanders.
Ken Hudgens, Edwards AFB
3/13/2011 11:00:18 AM ET I would be very nice if Inside AF.mil would do a follow up article on what the future courts ruling is on the terrorist who killed these fine young men.
Roger Blanchard MSgt Ret, Spring Lake NC
3/12/2011 5:08:05 PM ET I teared up a bit seeing this. Wish this never happened. A true tragedy.
