820th SFG dedicates training facility to fallen hero

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Schloeffel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 820th Security Forces Group held a ceremony Aug. 24 to dedicate their primary training facility to Airman 1st Class LeeBernard Chavis; the unit's first member to give his life in the Global War on Terror. 

Airman Chavis, 824th Security Forces Squadron, was killed in action near Baghdad Oct. 16, 2006, while performing duties as a turret gunner with his security forces' team on a joint patrol with Iraqi police. 

The 820th SFG's military operations in urban terrain training village, or MOUT for short, is an area where all the unit's Airmen prepare for urban scenarios they may face in a deployed environment. The facility now reflects the name of a warrior who gave his life to defend his country and fellow squad members, said Col. John Decknick, 820th Security Forces Group commander. 

"Warriors from across the base will forever pass by the guardian angel of LeeBernard Chavis; his sacrifices will never be forgotten," said Colonel Decknick. "The men and women of the 824th Security Forces Squadron rallied without hesitation to make this happen, and we thank them for their patriotism." 

The event was attended by many of Airman Chavis' fellow 820th SFG Airmen, the Chavis family, Air Force director of security forces Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, 23rd Wing leadership, Airmen from various Moody units and several distinguished visitors from the local area. 

In addition to the facility's namesake, a block of polished stone etched with an image and the words "Ghostwalker, comrade, friend and brother," now stands near the training and after-action review building outside the LeeBernard Chavis MOUT village. 

"When we came back from Iraq, the 820th Security Forces Group leadership and our squadron wanted to do something to remember Airman Chavis," said Master. Sgt. Anthony Erskine, 824th Security Forces Squadron. "They decided the best way to remember him would be to name the facility all 820th Airmen go to train before they head to Iraq to do the same job he was performing after Airman Chavis." 

Airman Chavis, 21, native of Hampton, Va., entered the Air Force on March 31, 2004, and served two tours in Iraq. 

During his deployment to Baghdad, Airman Chavis conducted 37 patrols as a lead vehicle turret gunner, and contributed to the training of more than 200 Iraqi policemen. For the sacrifices Airman Chavis made for his country, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. 

While nearly a year has passed, members of Airman Chavis' squad still feel something is missing from their unit's cohesion, but believe the ceremony brought closure to a traumatic period, said Senior Airman Heather Morris, 824th Security Forces Squadron. 

"The significance of this event to me is this will always be something that years from now, even when I'm not stationed here, I can bring my family to and say I was apart of his squad and this is what he did," said Airman Morris. "I will always remember his ability to make you laugh even if you weren't in a good mood; he always had a positive outlook on life. I'm pleased to know all incoming Airmen will know the 824th Security Forces Squadron lost a hero on Oct. 14, 2006, and he will never be forgotten." 

His father, Michael Chavis Sr., gave the ceremonies closing remarks and emphasized the pride he possessed for his son and other military members who put their life on the line for freedom. 

"To me, all this means my son was not just another dead soldier," said Mr. Chavis. "I come from the Vietnam era when nobody cared and there was basically nothing for those who gave their life. It means a lot to me personally that they're honoring and remembering what he did for this country." 

Airman Chavis' mother shares this pride, and her visit to Moody gave an appreciation of the efforts all 820th SFG Airmen provide fighting the Global War on Terrorism. 

"My son was a hero, but walking around Moody, I see a lot of heroes," said Jackie Chavis. "It takes so much to be able to deploy and keep a level head while accomplishing the mission. He was amongst a whole squadron full of heroes; he just happened to be one that didn't come home."