Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, an Air Force Combat Controller, is to be awarded the Air Force Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor for airmen, posthumously for bravery in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
He saved 10 lives after the helicopter he was in was shot down by a missile, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire while moving his comrades to safe areas. Eventually, he was shot and killed.
He exemplified the Air Force Core Values: Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All You Do. I could only hope to do so as well as he did.
He should be held up as an example of a Great American. I know he always will be for me.
Here’s a memorial from Arlington National Cemetery, where he was buried. One day I think I’ll visit, just to honor him for what he did for my fellow serivcemen, and to remind myself that there are others who would do the same for me, just as I would hopefully do for them.