Camp Cunningham honors Air Force hero

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BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  A true American hero was remembered March 4 during a ceremony that officially dedicated the Air Force compound here to the memory of Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham.

Airman Cunningham gave his life supporting Operation Enduring Freedom while saving the lives of 10 others March 4, 2002.

The service, attended by more than 200 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians, forever changed the name of “Air Force Village” here to Camp Cunningham.

Airman Cunningham was a pararescueman assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., when he was killed in action. He had come under intense small-arms fire and a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades in the mountains of Paktia Province, Afghanistan, during a rescue mission there.

According to his official Air Force biography, Airman Cunningham was the primary Air Force combat search-and-rescue medic assigned to a quick-reaction force on that fateful day. His team went into hostile enemy territory to save two American servicemen evading enemy capture.

Col. James A. Whitmore, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, spoke of the Airman’s uncommon valor and of his own pride in wearing the same Air Force uniform that Airman Cunningham donned with such distinction.

“The heroic efforts and selfless sacrifice that he exhibited on the battlefield will continue to inspire all of us who serve in Operation Enduring Freedom,” he said during the ceremony.

Col. Gary Woltering, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, said that Airman Cunningham’s ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by the men and women fighting the war on terrorism.

“Senior Airman Cunningham is a hero who will always be remembered for his courage and dedication to duty,” said the colonel. “He remains a comrade-in-arms to all of us who serve at Bagram, and his warrior spirit will live on in the Air Force men and women who have followed him in Operation Enduring Freedom.”

From this day forward, a wooden sign with the words “Camp Cunningham,” built by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Proffit of the 455th EOG Security Forces Squadron, will stand sentry at the entrance to the Air Force compound.

And just outside the group headquarters building, stands a marble monument, made by Capt. Matt Duston, Master Sgt. James Wilson and Airman 1st Class Justin Cyr, all 455th EOG civil engineers. It was unveiled during the dedication and provides permanent tribute to one of America’s “best and brightest,” officials said. The words etched into the stone read: “In honor of Senior Airman Jason Dean Cunningham, who gave his life saving others, in the service of his country.”