Air Force chaplains reflect on the sacrifices remembered on Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Mary Kozaitis
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

As Memorial Day approaches, many Americans plan barbecues and enjoy a long weekend. However, for many Airmen, the holiday holds a deeper, more somber significance. It's a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to the nation and to support the families they left behind.

Chaplains across the Air Force often find themselves at the forefront of these moments of grief and remembrance. Lt. Col. Timothy Sessions, Wing Chaplain for the 412th Test Wing, recalls his time during Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2004, a period marked by high casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan. He ministered to a soldier named Andrew Houghton, severely injured in a rocket-propelled grenade attack.


Capt. Andrew Houghton was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. He died on Aug. 9, 2004, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., of injuries sustained July 10 when a rocket-propelled grenade detonated near his vehicle in Dhuha, Iraq, near Samarra. (courtesy photos)

"When they removed life support, I was able to hold Andy’s hand and pray with him quietly close to his ear with his family surrounding him," Sessions said. "I felt him squeeze my hand and saw a tear roll down his cheek. I then left the room and was notified that he passed away shortly afterwards."

This experience underscored the profound responsibility chaplains bear in providing comfort and guidance during times of immense loss.

For Capt. Conner Simms, also a Chaplain with the 412th Test Wing, the impetus to serve stemmed from a personal tragedy close to home.

"It really took root with the death of Army Maj. Paul Syverson III on June 16th, 2004," Simms explained. Syverson, who grew up across the street from Simms, was killed in action, an event that deeply impacted Simms and his family.

"It inspired me to do the work that I do now as a military chaplain. To be there for families, as that Army Chaplain was, in both the difficult and celebratory times, and to honor the legacy of service of both my grandfathers, is a distinct privilege for me."


Maj. Paul Syverson III was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was killed on June 16, 2004, during a mortar attack, when mortar rounds hit his camp in Balad, Iraq. Simms recently honored Syverson's memory by visiting his dedicated brick at Special Operations Command Memorial at MacDill AFB, a testament to the enduring impact of sacrifice. (courtesy photo)

The role of a chaplain often extends to providing solace and support to grieving families. Maj. Francisco Gonzales, deputy Air Force chaplain at the 412th Test Wing, recently officiated a memorial service for a fellow Airmen’s family he served with, Staff Sgt. Jorge Avilés-Crespo. The Airman's family traveled from Puerto Rico and are currently receiving support from Maj. Gonzales for their loss.


Gonzalez officiates a memorial service for the family of Staff Sgt. Jorge Avilés-Crespo. (courtesy photo)

“As a chaplain, I keep on seeing how fragile we (service members) get when separated from our loved ones, how important is family and friend’s support through our military life and after as a young veteran,” said Gonzalez.

These stories highlight the true meaning of Memorial Day. It's a time to honor the fallen, support their families, and reflect on the cost of freedom. As the Air Force community pauses to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, they recommit themselves to serving with honor, integrity, and compassion. This Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the heroes who gave everything and to appreciate the chaplains who stand ready to provide comfort and support in times of need.