Memorial held for Minot Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Approximately 200 Team Minot Airmen attended a memorial service held in honor of 1st Lt. David J. Salazar, 91st Security Forces Group flight commander, at the Northern Lights Chapel here Nov. 15.

Salazar was remembered by his fellow Airmen as a great friend and leader who was always there for his Airmen and co-workers.

At the memorial, base leadership expressed condolences to the family members and friends affected by his loss.

"Although we mourn Lieutenant Salazar's passing, we honor him and remember his as a brother, a son and a friend," said Maj. Chad Gallagher, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron commander. "Grief is never an easy burden to bear but we will learn from his story and figure out how we can make our team and families stronger during these difficult times."

Salazar graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2009 as a Distinguished Graduate finishing 26th in his class. He later attended Security Forces technical school in August 2010 and graduated Dec. 17, 2010.

He had been stationed at Minot AFB since July 27, 2009. During his tour of duty here he was responsible for providing command and control for 45 Security Forces Defenders securing 165 mission-critical facilities.

He directed in-field response force entry control for 150 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles which are dispersed over 8,500 square miles of missile complex. Salazar had been hand selected to serve as the 91st SFG executive officer.

His responsibilities to ensure the commander's vision for a 3-squadron security forces group of more than 800 Airmen were delivered and understood.

(Personnel who may have had financial bindings or legal matters pending in connection with Salazar can contact the Summary Courts Officer, Capt. Lucas Eby, at lucas.eby@minot.af.mil or 701-723-6329.)