Team McConnell honors fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell honored Senior Airman Jonathan Blake Perry, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, communication and navigation systems specialist, during a dedication ceremony on the Memorial Walk, May 4.

The newest stone on the Memorial Walk, which begins near the intersection of Kansas Street and Manhattan, was dedicated to Airman Perry on what would have been his 21st birthday.

"The weather was perfect and it being on Blake's birthday made the day even more special," said Natalie Perry, Airman Perry's mother.

"Our son would be honored that his fellow Airmen showed so much respect for him and that they pay tribute in his honor by remembering him with an individual stone on the Memorial Walk," said Ms. Perry. "I think the McConnell Air Force family has honored our son with the very most respect. The emotion conveyed in the Air Force family shows that not only have we lost a family member but so have they."

"We are honored that our son served with such outstanding people who shared the same pride in their country and military as he did," said John Perry, Airman Perry's father. "There is no way we could ever thank Lt. Col. Robert Triplett, Master Sgt. John Sa, Master Sgt. Sabra Cabor, and the entire McConnell Air Force family for what they have done for our family and continue to do."

Airman Perry was a distinguished graduate of Hutto High School, a trend that continued into his military career.

He trained in technical school as an aircraft maintenance communication and navigation systems specialist, where he received the ACE award for scoring 100 percent on five tests. He earned his Flight Chief's award and graduated his training with a 95 percent grade point average as a distinguished graduate.

His performance report received the highest rating we tender, showing him as "truly among the best" of his peers.

"He was a true professional and epitomized what we expect of our Airmen," said Colonel Triplett, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

"Blake served honorably and with distinction as what I would consider a model Airman," said Colonel Triplett. "Airman Perry's name will forever be part of our list of outstanding maintainers who will never be forgotten."

Construction on the Memorial Walk began in 1976. Twenty-seven stones were laid along the path in the first year of its commencement.

Since then, the pathway has evolved from a dirt and gravel path to a red cement walkway that signifies the blood that has been shed through the generations. Today there are more than 200 marker stones; each marker has a tree planted just behind it to signify ever growing life.

For more information on the Memorial Walk or it's marker stones, contact Mary Eary, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Mission Support Group secretary, at 759-3500.