Artist's last wish fulfilled

  • Published
  • By Airman Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  An artist's last wish of having her artwork presented to the Air Force was fulfilled during a special event in the Rushmore Center April 4.

After failing health forced her to retire, Jennifer Avery spent her time at the Black Hills Workshop's Suzie Cappa Center for Art Expression and Enjoyment. During the last year of her life, she created a piece of artwork highlighting the American flag. It was her wish that it be presented at Ellsworth to honor all members of our armed forces.

"On behalf of the 28th Bomb Wing commander, Col. Mark Weatherington, I want to thank all of you who came down to share this very special moment with us," said Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander, to a small crowd of Airmen and special guests. "Jennifer's story is one of courage and perseverance. One of the things she asked of her parents before she passed away was to donate her final artwork to Ellsworth Air Force Base."

Edwards thanked Byford and Bonnie Avery for the opportunity to accept this donation and see Jennifer's dream fulfilled.

"Here is a young woman who had no real connection with the Air Force, but she created this artwork as a way to say thank you to the men and women who serve," the colonel said. "If Airmen take anything away from this, it should be that the American public is thankful for their hard work."

Bonnie Avery, Jennifer's mother, said her daughter loved history, and like most of us she was emotionally affected by all of the events of 9/11. She felt that it was her love of history that inspired her to create the artwork.

"I'm glad that her dream finally came true," Mrs. Avery said.

Brad Saathoff, Suzie Cappa Art Center chief executive officer who presented the artwork to Ellsworth, said Jennifer felt compelled to show appreciation to servicemembers.

"Before she passed, she made us promise her that her flag would be presented to Ellsworth," said Saathoff. "She told us that if we can't figure something out, we should go with her mom and dad to the mall and give it to the first Airman we saw."

Saathoff added that he is happy that Ellsworth was willing to accept Jennifer's artwork and allow a piece of her to forever be a part of Ellsworth history.