Family, friends gather to remember fallen crew of RAIDR 21

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah E. Stegman
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) --  The morning of July 21, 2008, six Airmen set out from Andersen Air Base, Guam, in their B-52 Stratofortress, call sign RAIDR 21, on what would be their final mission. 

Today, one year later, a small, solemn ceremony took place here in remembrance of the fallen RAIDR 21 Airmen: Maj. Chris Cooper, Capt. Michael Dodson, Maj. Brent Williams, Capt. Josh Shepherd, 1st Lt. Bobby Gerren and Col. (Dr.) George Martin. 

During the ceremony, speakers reflected on the Airmen's contributions on three levels: personal, squadron and overall mission. 

"We have been through a great deal in the past year together and I believe we are all stronger for it, but we are not here today to recreate, to lay blame or to grieve, but to honor and remember our family members, six true American heroes," said Lt. Col. Nick Russo, 96th Bomb Squadron director of operations. 

Colonel Russo was deployed with the Airmen and saw the crew off on their final flight. 

"When RAIDR 21 didn't return from their mission a year ago, we were all stunned," said Lt. Col. Tyrell Chamberlain, 20th Bomb Squadron commander. "For some time, we worked through our feelings of loss, of grief and of sacrifice. The tragic loss took our breath away and made us pause, and question. 

"At the root of many of the answers we found the common theme: the men on RAIDR 21 gave their lives flying the aircraft they loved, serving their country and demonstrating our common strength and resolve to protect our people and our way of life," Colonel Chamberlain said. 

"The crew of loved their squadrons," he said. "They loved their roles in those squadrons as officers, aviators, instructors and mentors. They took pride the duties they performed to take care of the other 84 officers and enlisted Airmen in their squadron. They knew in their heart, that success lies in serving others, and pursuing a cause greater than ourselves." 

Part of the crew's mission that day was to fly over a Liberation Day parade in Guam where they were deployed in support of the global bomber deterrence mission. 

"The men we remember today were also peacemakers, deployed as a visible reminder of our commitment to the allies and interests of America," said Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander. "Their mission of was one of deterrence, and the peacemakers of RAIDR 21 had a commitment that was strong and a purpose that was pure. As we remember them today, their brothers and sisters in arms are actively continuing the mission they pursued one year ago, from the same airfield in Guam." 

Both Colonel Chamberlain and Colonel Basham concur that continuing to fly and fight is the best way to honor the fallen crew. 

"Today our Airmen are flying.  Our Airmen are studying, briefing, training and pursuing our chosen profession, the profession of arms. We are training to fight," Colonel Chamberlain said. "Our crews are honing the skills they need to ensure that when called on again, we are ready." 

Colonel Basham noted how, every day, Airmen around the world are supporting America's freedom, making daily sacrifices in order to sustain the Air Force mission.  Specifically, the men and women of the 2nd Bomb Wing deliver precise lethal effects, anytime, anywhere, in any environment, providing unparalleled, long-range global strike. 

"We remain committed to our mission... and in their honor, we continue," Colonel Basham said. "Continuing to fly and fight is just one way we honor the Airmen of RAIDR 21. We remember them by projecting airpower around the world to remind our adversaries and potential adversaries of the power and commitment of our great nation. We remember them by continuing our mission of vigilance, and providing the umbrella of deterrence to their families and ours." 

Colonel Basham also gave special tribute to the other heroes in the audience, the families of the brave RAIDR 21 Airmen. 

"Without the vital support of families, the Air Force mission would not get accomplished. Airmen's families are just as important to the fight as our Airmen," Colonel Basham said. "Families continually sacrifice time away from those who serve and I want to personally thank the families of these six Airmen as you have given the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's defense." 

The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps and a B-52 flyover.