Honor Ride team visits Moody, remembers fallen special operations member

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  On Sept. 9, Moody hosted an Honor Ride memorial event at the POW/MIA Memorial Park here.

Now in its third year, the Honor Ride team chooses an individual from a different branch of service each year. This year's honorees, Senior Airman Jason Cunningham and Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, were both posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism in a military operation against an armed opposing force. 

"Sergeant Chapman and Airman Cunningham are two examples of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Lt. Bill Stevens, City of Duluth Police Department police officer. "The Honor Ride is something the mayor of Duluth asked us to put together and we're truly honored to be able to give back to the military in this way. 

Hosted by the City of Duluth Police Department, the Honor Ride consists of a team of cyclists who completed a three-day, 500-mile bicycle ride in honor of a fallen special operations member. 

Their goal is to raise awareness in support for the families of fallen and wounded special operations forces members. This year's ceremony focused on honoring the memory of Airman Cunningham, who was a pararescueman with the 38th Rescue Squadron.

"What we're hoping to accomplish by completing this ride is nothing compared to what those serving in the military do every day," said Lieutenant Stevens. "This is just one way we can thank the military for their continued support and efforts in keeping our nation safe." 

This year's team consisted of firefighters and police officers from Duluth, Ga., and Tallahassee, Fla., as well as one Moody Airman, who wanted to pay tribute to the Airmen who came before him. 

"Airman Cunningham was at this squadron before I was, but while going through training, I heard and read a lot about him and the sacrifices he made during combat," said 1st Lt. Sal Sferrazza, 38th Rescue Squadron pararescueman. "Knowing what he did and how dedicated he was is motivating.

"Being able to be a part of the Honor Ride team is an awesome honor," he added. "The pain at the end of each ride helps me to put things in my life in perspective and appreciate what Airman Cunningham did for our country."

At the ceremony, Lieutenant Stevens presented all 38th RQS Airmen in attendance with an Honor Ride challenge coin.

"There's not a single firefighter or police officer who doesn't remember where they were on 9/11," said the police Lieutenant. "The military responded to that threat and helped preserve our freedom, and the citizens of Duluth have remained grateful for that."
The group of cyclists departed Duluth, Ga., on Sept. 7, and will end their ride Hurlburt Field, Fla., on Sept. 11.