Tyndall dedicates room to fallen comrade

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall's leaders dedicated Horizons Ballroom B to fallen comrade, Senior Master Sgt. Sherry Lynn Olds, during a room dedication ceremony March 12.

She was one of 12 who lost their lives during the 1998 terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

More than 140 people attended the event, including Sergeant Olds' family.

Sergeant Olds spent nearly 20 years in the Air Force, 12 of those years were spent at Tyndall in various positions including as Chief of Protocol.

Florida State Representative, District 6, Mr. Jimmy Patronis, was unable to attend the ceremony however, he wrote a letter, which was read to attendees by the event's narrator, Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Moran.

"Sherry was born and raised in Bay County, a hometown girl that became an outstanding veteran who served her country with valor," read Sergeant Moran. "It is individuals like Sherry who put their life in harm's way each day so you and I can exercise our precious freedom and independence daily."

Sergeant Olds also served in Korea, Saudi Arabia and the Pentagon during her career.

"I think it [the room dedication] is fantastic," said Mr. Delbert Olds, Sergeant Olds' father and former Airman 1st Class stationed at Tyndall from 1954 to 1958.

Representative Patronis further stated in his letter, "It takes support of your loved ones back home and as a community we want families to know they are not forgotten. Sherry will always be affectionately remembered for her love of country, family and life itself."

Col. David E. Graff, 325th Fighter Wing commander, provided closing remarks after unveiling the room's plaque with Mr. Olds.

"When we lost Sherry, we lost an amazing American, Airman, and warrior," said Colonel Graff. "I just want to thank you [family] for allowing your daughter to have served among us. She was truly the epitome of an American Airman.

"Mrs. Evelyn Olds [mother of Sergeant Olds] said before the ceremony to Jamee [Mrs. Graff] and I, we [family] gave her roots and you [Air Force] gave her wings."