CMSAF Gaylor & AFSFA Visits SSgt Nelson
CMSAF #5 and AFSFA member Bob Gaylor visited SSgt Nelson, his wife TSgt (sel) Anna Nelson (both Defenders) and his mom Jeannie on 6 February. His dad Chris told us Bryan plans to be a Chief someday so what better visit could an aspiring NCO have than a CMSAF who was a Defender? Chief Gaylor presented Bryan one of his autographed CMSAF sweatshirts and spent some time visiting. If you have never heard how Chief Gaylor became a cop you'all have to ask ... it is a super story. His mom passed along her gratitude to AFSFA, "... your support means the world to us."
SSgt Nelson Becomes An Honorary OSI Agent
On 5 January 2016 BGen Keith M. Givens presented OSI credentials to Security Forces SSgt Bryan A. Nelson at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. SSgt Nelson is the only active duty Defender to ever receive this distinction.
AFSFA Visits Bagram Wounded Defender
AFSFA had a great visit with SSgt Bryan Nelson and his family on New Years Eve. SSgt Nelson, a member of the 820th Security Forces Group, Moody AFB, GA, was transported to the San Antonio Area Medical Center (SAAMC) burn unit due to burns and injuries suffered during the recent motorcycle bomb attack at Bagram Air Base this last December which killed 4 AFOSI agents and 2 Security Forces Defenders. He received burns to his lower body, back and some to his face with a broken leg and ankle. He is doing very well for his condition. His wife, TSgt (sel) Anastasia Nelson, also a Defender, was at the hospital with his father during the visit. His mother and grandmother arrived as SSgt Nelson’s wife and sister departed. Bryan was born and raised in San Antonio and both he and his wife had upcoming assignments to the Lackland AFB, TX for 2016. The AF is working to accelerate their moves now that they are already in the San Antonio area.
All were very appreciative of the concern and support offered by AFSFA and our Proud Warrior Program. In addition to the $500 Proud Warrior Program grant Lee Chambers of the Eagle Chapter reached out to other chapters including the Oklahoma Heartland and Magwood Chapters to increase the support. Their combined donations produced an additional $300 grant.
AFSFA also provided copies of the last 6 magazines, travel mugs, AFSFA and Fallen Defender coins and an AFSFA tote and get well cards.
AFSFA will continue to provide updates on SSgt Nelson’s recovery.
12 for 12
By Master Sgt. Joshua Strang, Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs / Published December 14, 2015
Members participate in the Fallen Defenders Ruck to Remember on Dec. 12, 2015, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The 12-kilometer ruck march honors security forces defenders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Joshua Strang)
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFNS) -- On the 12th day of the 12th month, service members here took action to ensure 12 security forces defenders were honored with a 12-kilometer ruck march.
The Fallen Defenders Ruck to Remember honors security forces members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Although the event remembers all of the defenders killed in action, this year’s event focused specifically on two members.
“We are highlighting the sacrifices made by our latest defenders that we have lost,” said Master Sgt. Austin Schneider, the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron training superintendent. “Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain and Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz lost their lives on October 2nd this year at Jalalabad Airfield in Afghanistan.”
Sartain and Ruiz were killed when the C-130J Super Hercules they were flying on crashed during takeoff. Both Airmen were deployed from the 66th Security Force Squadron at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.
The event generated $2,800 and all proceeds will go to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors through the Combined Federal Campaign.
TAPS is a nonprofit organization that offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in the armed forces.
Although the event raised money, it was all about remembrance, said Chief Master Sgt. Tamala Hartz, the Air Forces Central Command security forces manager.
“Today’s event is really about remembering those defenders who gave all in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Hartz said. “Any time there is a loss in the defender family it is our responsibility to remember those who can’t go home.”
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