Operation Enduring Freedom
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by 1st Lt. George Tobias 7/2/2009 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- The American and Portuguese Flags were flown at half staff today at Lajes Field as members mourn the loss of an Airman assigned to the 65th Air Base Wing who died here Tuesday. Senior Airman Amber Finnell, 65th Security Force Squadron, collapsed Tuesday and was taken to Angra Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was also remembered during a memorial service at the base chapel today. The overcast cloudy day seemed to reflect the feelings of those stationed at this remote island base. Members of the 65th SFS wore a black band over their security forces badges in remembrance of Airman Finnell and the loss of one of their own. Airman Finnell was an Airman, a warrior, a friend and a daughter, said Chaplin (Capt.) Ismael Rodriguez, 65th ABW chapel. The chapel was crowded by those wishing to say good-bye and remember Airman Finnell. "People like Amber are cut from a different cloth," said Maj. Dana Metzger, 65th SFS commander. "She was a remarkable woman and we will always remember Amber as a part of the team." Airman Finnell was born Nov. 1, 1984 and enlisted in the Air Force in Feb. 2004. She had previously been stationed at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq, and arrived at Lajes Field in January of this year. Airman Finnell was known as an active member of the Lajes community volunteering for many programs like, Drug Education for Youth, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She also participated in all squadron activities including the 65th SFS volleyball team. "She is gone, but her influence remains," said Major Metzger. Col. Peggy Poore, 65th ABW Commander, who like many here was struck by this loss, notified the base of what had happened Tuesday during a commander's call. As she delivered the news audible moans of shock and disbelief could be heard. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Airman Finnell," said Colonel Poore. "Lajes Field is such a tight community, and the loss of any Airman is truly like losing a member of our family." |
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Members of the 65th Security Forces Squadron
placed a memorial display in honor of Senior Airman Amber Finnell,
65th SFS, in front of the chapel sanctuary for a memorial service
in her honor at Lajes Field (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Darrell I. Dean) |
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Members of the 65th Security Forces Squadron,
at Lajes Field, salute as the American and Portuguese flags are
flown half staff in honor of Senior Airman Amber Finell, 65th
Security Forces Squadron, at Lajes Field (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Rebecca F. Corey) |
(Submitted by Huron Shores Genealogical Society)
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