820th SFG commemorates fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brittany Barker
  • 23rd Wing public affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Members of the 820th Security Forces Group, gathered Oct. 14 to remember a fallen comrade and honor his memory with a fundraising fitness workout to generate scholarship funds for the family members of those killed in action. 

Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis was killed by sniper fire while on patrol near Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom on Oct. 14, 2006.

"Airman Chavis was an outstanding person," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Jeffcoat, 824th Security Forces Squadron member who was deployed with Airman Chavis when he was killed in combat. "He was 100 percent dedicated and always put others before himself."

In Balad, Iraq, deployed members of the 820th SFG took part in the Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis Memorial Workout, joining in with the stateside members of the 820th SFG, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, Airman Leadership School and 23rd SFS in remembering his sacrifice.

The workout included a CrossFit exercise as well as a five-kilometer run. According to CrossFit.com, it is a principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams and military special operations units worldwide.

Master Sgt. Jason France, 820th SFG operations superintendent and CrossFit instructor, created a workout dedicated specifically to Airman Chavis under the Hero exercise program for fallen military, law enforcement and fire fighter members.

The Chavis workout includes 150 burpees, an extended push-up exercise, a one-mile run and 150 squat thrusts.

"This workout was designed to be extremely challenging and pay the proper respect to a fallen warrior," said Sergeant France. "I saw incredible effort on everyone's part. It was great to see so many people come out to honor Airman Chavis."

The workout marked the start for Moody personnel to participate in donating to the scholarship funds for family members of those killed in action. Donations will be collected until Oct. 24.

"Airman Chavis embodied what it meant to be an Air Force member," said Sergeant Jeffcoat. "I think it's important to remember the sacrifice he made for our country."

For more information or to make a donation, call Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton, 820th SFG, at 229-257-5306.