Ramstein security forces honor fallen comrades

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Security forces Airmen assigned here gathered in formation on the flightline May 16 to honor their fallen brethren.

The ceremony known as "The Final Guard Mount," is held in conjunction with National Police Week to remember four security forces members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Guard Mount is a daily formation for security forces Airmen and involves a role call. During the ceremony, the names of the deceased are called out, but no one answers. They are called again. No answer. After the third call, an Airman in the formation reads a prepared statement detailing the circumstances in which the deceased Airman gave his or her life.

The ceremony was brief -- about 20 minutes -- but Tech. Sgt. James Robbins said he believes the time spent honoring the fallen does not reflect their sacrifice. 

"We actually have been deployed downrange with some of these personnel. For example, Staff Sgt. (Brian) McElroy I knew when I was stationed at Peterson Air Force Base and I knew Airman (1st Class Carl Ware Jr.) when we were all stationed at Camp Bucca."

Sergeant McElroy and Airman Ware were both honored during the ceremony.

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