Moody Air Force Base, Ga. -- Members of the 820th Base Defense Group gathered to remember two battlefield Airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice, June 30, here.
During the memorial dedication service, the 820th BDG paid homage to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm and Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa, members of the Stewart Air National Guard, N.Y. who were killed by a suicide bomber, Dec. 21, 2015.
While assigned to the 105th Base Defense Squadron and deployed in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel with the 824th Base Defense Squadron, near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
The memorial was placed in front of the 820th Base Defense Group as a daily reminder of the ultimate sacrifice these defenders made.
"[Their memorials are in] the front of our buildings and in the forefront of our minds," said Col. Michael Ross, 820th BDG commander. "On that day when the men and women in these formations have to face their worse enemies and sacrifice everything they have, they know they will never be forgotten. This is how we will remember them."
Following the unveiling, the 820th BDG dedicated a Magnolia Tree in honor of the fallen heroes.
"They're very deserving of this memorial," said Master Sgt. Aaron Frederick, 824th BDS NCO in charge of operations. "Not just because they gave their life for their fellow brothers in arms, but [because of] the way they carried themselves day in and day out."