Memorial for fallen Defender unveiled

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  A flight of 28th Security Forces Squadron Defenders stood stoically at attention - awaiting orders from their flight chief. A mere 10 feet from the group stood a cloth-covered memorial and a framed American flag - featuring a photo of Airman 1st Class Leasha Jill Bjork-Hardesty, one of their fallen comrades.

A group of onlookers stood quietly as a tall chief master sergeant began addressing the crowd during a solemn ceremony at Memorial Park on base Aug. 27.

"We're here to pay tribute to a young Ellsworth Defender who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our great nation nearly 12 years ago," said Chief Master Sgt. James Herkel, 28th SFS manager and organizer of the ceremony as part of the event attended by invited guests and co-workers.

Bjork-Hardesty was killed in a vehicle accident Nov. 16, 1999, during Operation Southern Watch at an airbase in Southwest Asia.

After addressing the crowd, Herkel introduced retired Master Sgt. Paul Gremse, former 28th SFS flight chief. Gremse spoke about his experience with Bjork-Hardesty during their deployment in 1999.

"Bjork-Hardesty was a patriot," said Gremse. "She died knowing what she was doing was right. I remember her for who she was - a ball of fire who always had a smile on her face. God bless her."

Gremse urged everyone to not forget her sacrifice, and that of all Airmen who have lost their lives during peace or wartime operations.

Following the addresses, Col. Thomas Goulter, 28th Mission Support Group commander, directed that the memorial be unveiled. Airmen then joined him in an honorary salute for Bjork-Hardesty.

The marker for Bjork-Hardesty is one of many in the Memorial Park on base. The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee has been funding memorials in the park since 1999 to honor fallen Airmen. Among other notable markers in the park is that of Brig. Gen. Richard Ellsworth and those who died with him in a RB-36 Peacemaker crash in Newfoundland in 1953.