Gone but not forgotten: Rescue Airmen remember the fallen

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Natasha Dowridge
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tears and memories flowed freely as survivors drew together to remember the lives lost 15 years ago. In front of them stood a handsome memorial with the following engraved in stone, 'In honor of the 19 Americans who gave their lives in the terrorist bombing at Khobar Towers, Dhahran Air Base on 25 June 1996... "that others may live"'.

Rescue Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here held a small ceremony June 24 at Memorial Plaza to commemorate the 15 year anniversary of the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers where five fellow Rescue Airmen were killed.

"I did not know these men personally, but they are part of my military family," said Col. George Raeder, 920th Mission Support Group commander. "I know what they did and I will remember them."

Kind words and stories were shared by Col. Raeder, Capt. Matthew Simpson, 920th RQW Chaplain, retired Colonel Thomas Friers, former 1st Rescue Group Commander and Darrell Hankins, former 1st RSG airman at the ceremony.

Capt. Christopher J. Adams, Capt. Leland T. Haun, Master Sgt. Michael G. Heiser, Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Johnson and Airman First Class Justin R. Wood were the five airmen formally based at Patrick who lost their lives 15 years ago.

Those in attendance were Jenny Haun, wife of Captain Haun, Catherine Adams, mother of Captain Adams and Shyrl and Nicholas Johnson, wife and son of Staff Sgt. Johnson, amongst members from Patrick AFB.

"They are heroes," said Ms. Haun.

For those left behind the memorial is more than just stone. It is a way to stay connected with those who gave their lives for their country.

"Coming back to celebrate their life to me is awesome," said Ms. Johnson. "It's wonderful for me because I can always come and visit."

In all, 19 U.S. servicemembers and one Saudi were killed and 372, of many nationalities, were wounded as a result of a fuel truck exploding outside the Khobar Towers. Among those housed in the Khobar Towers were the 1st RSG from Patrick AFB, a deployed fighter squadron from Eglin AFB and support personnel from Wright-Patterson and Offutt Air Bases.

The 1st RSG has since been relocated to Moody AFB, Georgia.

The 920th specializes in combat search and rescue (CSAR) and trains its Rescue Reserve Airmen to the highest standard so tragedies like the Khobar Towers can be prevented. More than 20 percent of the Air Force's CSAR are performed by the 920th RQW, 'these things we do, that others may live'.

"Wherever Air Force men and women serve, they serve in harm's way because of the ever present threat of terrorism," said Frederick W. Peters, former Secretary of the Air Force. "A memorial no matter how grand, cannot take away the hurt."

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter