Robins Air Force Base honors the fallen at the annual Airman’s Memorial Service 

WARNER ROBINS — On Tuesday, May 20, Robins Air Force Base hosted the annual Airman’s Memorial Service at the Museum of Aviation to commemorate those who have served admirably on Robins Air Force Base and have since passed away this past year. 

TSgt. Sean Zingraf said the Airman’s Memorial was established in 1976 as a combined effort from the Middle Georgia Medal Society, Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce and Robins Air Force Base officials. 

“The memorial service honors the memory of Team Robins service members and civilian employees who died while actively serving or were previously stationed here and have since passed away,” Zingraf said. 

Robins Air Force Base and the surrounding communities have honored approximately 2,232 service members. 

“The legacy and service will forever be engraved in our hearts. As we enter into Memorial Day weekend, not only do we honor the men and women of Team Robins, we also honor all service members who have passed while serving,” he said. “We remember the sacrifices and their contributions to this great nation.” 

78th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Deedrick Reese shared some remarks during the memorial service. He said the day of the service was not just any other day. 

“It’s not about sales or the summer, it’s a sacred cause, a time to reflect on courage, sacrifice and the legacy of the men and women who gave everything so we could live in freedom,” he said. “Their stories live on in this museum, in the families who carry their names and in each of us who still wear the uniform with pride here at Robins [Air Force Base]. Let’s carry their memory with reverence and rededicate ourselves to a life worthy of their sacrifice. May we never forget what this day truly means.” 

402nd Software Engineering Group Director Michael Doubleday provided the memorial address. 

“We pause to reflect on the lives lived in the service of something greater than themselves. Each name and memory represents the love for this country whether in uniform or in civilian attire,” he said. “The individuals we remember shared a singular mission, to support the United States of America.” 

After the remarks, Robins Air Force Base members recognized the fallen members with the ringing of the bell, honoring their service. The full list of names honored can be found below.

After the names were read, the Robins Air Force Base Honor Guard performed the laying of the wreath and the folding of the flag. 

Project Officer TSgt. Alexandria Clay helped plan the memorial service, who said it is an honor to be a part of Team Robins. 

“The honorees have been a part of the legacy of Warner Robins as well as Robins Air Force Base,” she said. 

Clay said there is now a physical memorial outside the Museum of Aviation where visitors can visit year-round. 

“This is a time where people can come together and support one another,” she said. 

Attendee Lacey Nelson said her grandfather was honored at the memorial service; he passed away in March of last year. 

“He was very much loved and was a great man,” she said. “It’s super great that they have a memorial service for [the ones] that have lost their lives and those who’ve lost their lives after serving with the base and the military.” 

Nelson gave advice to families in the same situation. 

“Just keep moving on for your family and just keep remembering those loved ones,” she said.

Memorial Service Honorees:

Ms. Anita Darlene Alexander

Mr. Ronald Joseph Alheit

Amn Kalen August

Ms. Jayne Barker

TSgt. David E. Blitch (Ret.)

Col. Jack H. Braucht (Ret.)

Mr. Arver Lloyd Britt

Lt. Col. James Brown

Mr. Charles P. Byers

Ms. Shelia Devora Dale

MSgt. Ronald Milton Dean (Ret.)

Ms. Cynthia Cox Dickman

Ms. Peggy Hurley Dunn

SMSgt. William “Bill” Frank Ellis (Ret.)

SrA. Zachary T. Fitzharris

CMSgt. Ezra Foster (Ret.)

Mr. Abner Eugene Greene Jr.

SrA. Gabriel Marcial Gonzales

Mr. Alton Thomas Haines

CMSgt. Martin Leverne James Sr. (Ret.)

Ms. Inike “Nikki” Johnson

TSgt. Patrick Orvil Jones (Ret.)

MSgt. Jonathan “Scott” Kenton (Ret.)

SSgt. Clinton Ashley “Bubba” Lewis Jr. (Ret.)

TSgt. Frank Joseph Malik Jr. (Ret.)

Mr. Jay Thorne Mihelarakis

MSgt. John C. Mims (Ret.)

SrA. Jarrett Chapman Nelson

Ms. Mandy Leigh Peacock

A1C Daniel Romain

SrA. Gregory S. Senart

MSgt. Robert L. Shemanski (Ret.)

Ms. Janice Lord Shepherd

SSgt. June Sims

Mr. Rodney Eugene Speed

Maj. Gregory Lewis “Linus” Stone

Maj. Joseph “JT” Nathaniel Toup (Ret.)

Lt. Col. John James Trichinotis (Ret.)

Seaman (E-3) Tyler Walker

MSgt. Edward Lee Warwick (Ret.)

MSgt. Elmer James Waterman (Ret.)

MSgt. Bernice (Dickson) Williams (Ret.)

Mr. William “Billy” H. Williams Jr.

Mr. William “Bill” H. Williams III

Mr. David Wayne Woodward

Ms. Merilee Tani Yoshioka