Airey NCO Academy honors fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCCE BASE, Fla. --  The Airey NCO Academy's class 12-2's Academy Special Activities Council recently voted to rename one of their 13 flights, the Goodman Flight, after Senior Airman Ashton Goodman, a vehicle operator who was killed in action on May 26, 2009 when the vehicle she was driving, was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

While deployed, Airman Goodman was assigned to the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, but her home unit was the 43d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

"What's unique about today's event is, Goodman Flight is the fifth room we've converted, but Airman Goodman is the first vehicle operator and first female to have a flight named in her honor," said Master Sgt. Anthony Roland Jr., Airey NCO Academy leadership division instructor. "The other flights have been named after one combat controller, Technical Sergeant John Chapman, who was killed in action, one security forces member, Airman 1st Class Lee Bernard Chavis, who was killed in action, and two Explosive Ordinance Disposal technicians, Technical Sergeant Daniel Douville, who was killed in action, and Technical Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers, who is living and undergoing rehibilitation at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethsda, Md."

The dedication ceremony was held Feb. 15. Members from Pope AFB, as well as students and faculty from the academy, were all in attendance.

The flight's room features images and memorabilia from Airman Goodman's career.

Airman Goodman's sacrifice and dedication will never be forgotten.