Bolling Airmen remember Chief Airey

Bolling Airmen prepare to lay a wreath in honor of former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul W. Airey during a retreat ceremony May 20, 2009 on Bolling Air Force Base. The retreat ceremony was held in honor of Chief Airey, to allow individuals unable to attend his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on May 28 a chance to pay their respects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Bolling Airmen remember Chief Airey

Staff Sgt. Paula Newman, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron, gives a short biography of former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul W. Airey during a retreat ceremony May 20, 2009 on Bolling Air Force Base. The retreat ceremony was held in honor of Chief Airey, to allow individuals unable to attend his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on May 28 a chance to pay their respects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Bolling Airmen remember Chief Airey

Airman 1st Class James Baynard and Tech. Sgt. James Parker, 11th Security Forces Squadron, prepare to catch the flag as it is lowered during a retreat ceremony May 20, 2009 on Bolling Air Force Base. The retreat ceremony was held in honor of Chief Airey, to allow individuals unable to attend his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on May 28 a chance to pay their respects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Bolling Airmen remember Chief Airey

Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron fold the flag during a retreat ceremony May 20, 2009 on Bolling Air Force Base. The retreat ceremony was held in honor of Chief Airey, to allow individuals unable to attend his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on May 28 a chance to pay their respects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Bolling Airmen remember Chief Airey

Published May 21, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- A memorial retreat was held in honor of former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul W. Airey at the base flag pole May 20.

The 11th Security Forces Squadron dedicated this observance to Chief Airey giving the base personnel who will not be able to attend the funeral a chance to mourn the former chief.

Private organizations, including the Middle Tier Counsel, Bolling Top 3, Washington Top 3, Chief's Group, Airmen of Distinction and 1st Sergeant's Organization, contributed a commemorative wreath for the occasion.

Chief Master Sgt. Robin Johnson, 11th Wing command chief, opened the ceremony with a few words honoring Chief Airey. Staff Sgt. Paula Newman, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Ebony McClendon, United States Air Force Honor Guard, presented short biographies of Chief Airey before the lowering of the flag began.

"This was really more of a celebration of his life. A celebration for an Airman, by Airmen," said Chief Johnson.

Chief Airey passed away March 11, 2009. A full honors funeral will be held for him May 28.

"The entire Air Force family is mourning," said Sergeant Newman, "He was our first true leader and I think that's what everyone will miss the most. We are all grateful for his contributions."