Ellsworth reflects on Airman who paid ultimate price

The U.S. flag at Ellsworth headquarters is flown at half-staff May 8 in remembrance of Senior Airman Jonathon Yelner, 28th Aircraft Maintenance squadron weapons load crew member. Airman Yelner lost his life April 29 when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device; South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds asked that flags be flown at half-staff state-wide in honor of Airman Yelner. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Adam Grant)

Ellsworth reflects on Airman who paid ultimate price

The Ellsworth honor guard posts the colors at a memorial service held in honor of Senior Airman Jonathan Yelner, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member here, May 8. Airman Yelner died April 29 near Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, of wounds inflicted by an improvised explosive device. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Marc I. Lane)

Ellsworth reflects on Airman who paid ultimate price

The helmet and dog tags belonging to Senior Airman Jonathan Yelner, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, are displayed at his memorial service held here, May 8. Airman Yelner died April 29 near Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, of wounds inflicted by an improvised explosive device. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Marc I. Lane)

Ellsworth reflects on Airman who made ultimate sacrifice

Published May 8, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
28 Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Ellsworth community came together today to honor a recently fallen comrade during a memorial service at the Black Hills Chapel May 8.

Senior Airman Jonathan Yelner succumbed to wounds he suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device April 29 near Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

Ellsworth's chaplains, base leadership, and fellow Airmen paid tribute to Airman Yelner and his service.

"Senior Airman Yelner was a valiant warrior who sacrificed his life for a noble cause," said Colonel Castor. "He lived the Air Force core values and was a true leader to us all."

Airman Yelner joined the Air Force in October 2003 and went on to become a weapons load crew member assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here.

After being assigned at Ellsworth, Airman Yelner was always the first to volunteer wherever he was needed, said Lt. Col. David Stimac, 28 AMXS commander. "He always said that he just wanted to do his part; that was his slogan."

"But Airman Yelner did more than just his part," added Colonel Stimac. "He paid the ultimate sacrifice for what he believed in."

Airman Yelner's willingness to do his part, said Colonel Stimac, led him to various locations including aiding in the first presidential election in Afghanistan, supporting regional stability in Guam, enabling base upgrades and repairs in Iraq and eventually a deployment to Afghanistan where he served as part of a provincial reconstruction team.

"No words can do justice to just how much we will miss Airman Yelner," said Colonel Stimac. "I stand here with a heavy heart mourning one of our finest."

A Bronze Star Medal, awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service, was presented posthumously to Airman Yelner by Colonel Stimac.

Airman Yelner is survived by his mother Yolanda Vega, his father Bruce Yelner and his brother Matthew Yelner.