Robins Air Force Base honors the fallen in annual memorial service

WARNER ROBINS — In honor of  Memorial Day , Robins Air Force Base and many military families gathered on Thursday, May 21, at the Museum of Aviation Century of Flight Hangar for the installation’s 49th annual service to honor airmen and civilians who have passed away. They honored 40 individuals at the memorial service.

The Robins Airman Memorial was founded in 1977 by the Middle Georgia Community Society, the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce, and Robins Air Force Base. 

Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) DeWanna McKinny spoke at the memorial and said the service honors members of Team Robins, those who died in active duty, civilian employees and those previously stationed at Robins Air Force Base who have since passed away. 

Since the start of the memorial service tradition, Robins has honored over 2,200 individuals. 

“The legacy of their service will forever be engraved in our hearts,” McKinney said. “We remember their sacrifices and their contributions to this great nation.” 

Keynote speaker Col. Johari Hemphill said Team Robins hopes their sacrifices made to this country may always prove worthy. 

He mentioned his grandfather and two uncles served in the Air Force, Army and Navy. Hemphill said that he and his family members have a combined 70-plus consecutive years in the military and fully understand service and sacrifice. 

“They did not want war, but they answered the call when it came. They believed in something bigger than themselves. They fought for our country, and our country unites to mourn them as one,” he said. 

Hemphill also noted servicemembers missing in action in foreign lands. He said they will never stop searching and hopes to provide those families closure. 

Hemphill also shared words for the military families who have lost a loved one. 

“Nothing said today will ease your pain, but each of you need to know that your country thanks you. We embrace you and we will never forget the terrible loss you have suffered,” he said. 

The  memorial service  reminded Hemphill of a motto he lives by: “People depend on us, will be there.” 

He’s adamant that the airmen at Robins Air Force Base are there when you need them most and will be there to defend our country, allies and partners. 

“May God bless our fallen and their families. May He bless all of you, and may He forever bless these United States of America,” he said.  

The names of the honorees are listed below: 

Ms. Cynthia B. Aguilar

Mr. Ronald J. Alheit

Col. Armando J. Anzures, Retired

MSgt. Marcel Baril, Retired

Mr. Kevin C. Brown 

Ms. Martha J. Bundy, Retired

SrA. Jacob N. Foster Cole 

Ms. Vontyne W. Dominy, Retired

MSgt. William M. Dowling 

MSgt. Perry C. Doyle, Retired 

Mr. Jonathan Dunn

Lt. Col. Garrett Gordon, Retired

Ms. Lynette F. Griffith, Retired

Mr. Seaborn J. Harden III

Mr. Wymann P. Hartley, Retired 

Capt. Ronald H. Helms, Retired 

Mr. Brian C. Holmstrom 

MSgt. Brandon L. Hudson 

Lt. Col. Frank E. Huff, Retired 

Mr. Jeffrey J. Klein 

Ms. Evelyn M. Locke, Retired

Maj. Christopher M. Nunez, Retired 

Ms. Jamie L. Padgett, Retired 

SMSgt Ryan M. Page, Retired 

MSgt, Charles B. Patterson IV, Retired

Ms. Sherry A. Pfeifer 

Ms. Mandy L. Peacock 

Mr. Joe A. Riley

CMSgt, Michael Robinson, Retired 

Ms. Sara Faye Saunders, Retired

Maj. Ariana G. Linse Savino

Mr. Alfred L. Shepard, Retired 

A1C Benjamin M. Shurtleff

Ms. Karen Y. Thompson, Retired 

Lt. Col. Steven Thompson 

Mr. Brian D. Thrasher 

Mr. Timothy J. Walmer Jr., Retired 

Mr. Anthony R. Warren 

Ms. Ginger S. Woodell

Mr. Hobert T. Wyatt, Retired 

Mr. Dustin L. Yearty