Airman honored during memorial service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A memorial service was held in honor of Airman 1st Class Steven C. Crawford, a conventional maintenance crew member from the 5th Munitions Squadron, at the Northern Lights Chapel here Jan. 18.

More than 100 family, friends and fellow servicemembers gathered for the service to remember and celebrate the life of Airman Crawford and his dedication of service to his country.

The incident involving Airman Crawford occurred in an off-base apartment in the city of Minot at about 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20, according to Minot Police Department officials.

"We share in the sorrow felt by his loved ones, and we will never forget the valuable contributions he made to this country and the impact he has left on the Air Force," said Col. Douglas A. Cox, 5th Bomb Wing commander.

The Air Force achievement medal was posthumously awarded to Airman Crawford for outstanding technical knowledge by mastering various munitions programs.

While deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, Airman Crawford demonstrated commitment to the mission there, which ensured the safe delivery of 1,850 conventional munitions and eight conventional air-launched cruise missiles. This was accomplished in support of the 36th Wing's 2010 Conventional Operational Readiness Inspection.

His determined efforts proved instrumental in meeting evaluation objectives and ensured that the wing passed this difficult inspection.

When Airman Crawford was not supporting the Air Force mission, he was volunteering in the local community by volunteering countless hours to both the Special Olympics here, as well as the North Dakota Highway Clean Up Crew of Airmen.

Not only did Airman Crawford volunteer for the local community, he also contributed much to his squadron, efforts that did not go unnoticed by his squadron commander or his peers.

"He was respected by all of his peers and supervisors," said Maj. Bryan Ford, 5th MUNS commander. "Steven may be gone, but his memory will not be forgotten by members of the 5th MUNS."