All gave some, some gave all

Published Jan. 31, 2017
By Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Every year, a day is set aside to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. The 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations flight at Minot Air Force Base wanted to build a memorial to recognize their fellow vehicle operators who were killed in action and honor them every single day.

“With the younger generation that is coming into the military, they need to understand, no matter what AFSC, we have history,” said Tech Sgt. Justin Wilkersen, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron training and validation NCOIC. “We need to instill our legacy into the next generation.”

To do so, the 5th LRS built a 4-by-8 shadow box commemorating those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of the mission from 2003-2011.

“In that time frame we lost three vehicle operators and four security forces members who were on the convoy missions,” said Wilkersen.

Back in 2003, the Army asked the Air Force to give them vehicle operators to support with convoy operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vehicle operators along with security forces members stepped up to the plate to help the Army.

“The biggest thing for us is to pay homage to those that made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Wilkersen. “We wanted to honor them by building this shadow box.”

The box consists of pictures of all of the individuals that were killed in action. Above their pictures is their name, location and date they were killed. Under their pictures are the medals they were awarded. There are also other items in the box that are significant for vehicle operators and security forces members who did those missions such as a training M4, a training M9 as well as a K-9 training collar.

“We started in October of 2016 and finished January 2017,” said Senior Airman Jakeb Newlan, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator/dispatcher. “We are all really excited. Most of the time when you see a shadow box, it’s not that big, it’s something small that one person can carry.”

With the help of local and national companies, the shadow box was recently completed and ready for display. Fargo glass donated the plexiglass and Vanguard donated the medals that each individual had earned, 24 in total.

“Numerous Airmen from the vehicle operations shop pitched in to help build the box,” said Wilkersen. “It really has been a team effort, with Senior Airman Newlan and Staff Sgt. Richard Gajewski as the leads. They have been the two to take the project to a whole new level.”

The shadow box will be displayed in the main entrance of the vehicle ops building. Along with the shadow box, there will be a set of boots with a rifle and helmet, known as the battlefield cross.

“We don’t want these guys to be forgotten about,” said Wilkersen. “They made the ultimate sacrifice, the least we could do is get their names out there and keep it going, continue their legacy. The biggest end game is to make sure they are always honored and never forgotten.”