Remembering the fallen Published May 27, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- With Memorial Day just around the corner, Airmen at Ellsworth take time to remember their service to their country. For Tech. Sgt. Jayson Wells, 28th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal operator, the memory is bittersweet. "My job is extremely satisfying," said Sergeant Wells. "I make sure ordnance doesn't stay in the hands of the enemy, which in turn - saves lives." As an EOD operator, Sergeant Wells is primarily responsible for rendering improvised explosive devices safe and inert, securing main supply routes and keeping them open. He said seeing Airmen develop during a deployment is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. "They arrive at the deployed location completely new to life at a forward operating base," he said. "However, by the end of it, they've changed for the better because of the things they have seen and done." Sergeant Wells said, while he is extremely proud of the Airmen under his charge who perform admirably under extreme circumstances, he also vividly remembers the Airmen who have given their lives in the line of duty and service to their country. "There are quite a few heroes in the EOD career field who have given their lives for their country," he said. "This Memorial Day I'm going to specifically remember Sergeant Berky." Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky, 28 CES EOD technician, was killed from wounds he sustained from enemy fire while engaged in combat operations, Sept. 12 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan. "He was a man who gave his life in the service of his country," said Chaplain (Maj.) James L. Parrish, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain, during a eulogy given Sept. 24. Sergeant Wells said Sergeant Berky died while providing support for an organization donating food to refugees. "They were trying to help the people of Afghanistan," Sergeant Wells said. "Sergeant Berky died protecting both the refugees and the people rendering aid." As Sergeant Wells reflects upon the loss of Sergeant Berky, he wonders what he would say to him if he were alive today. "Sometimes, between EOD technicians, we don't have to say anything," he said. "I'd probably say, 'it's good to see you, buddy.'"