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Team McGuire, 2nd ARS members say goodbye to fellow Airman, friend, wingman

  • Published
  • By 2nd Air Refueling Squadron
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  On Jan. 16, the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron lost a friend, squadron mate and wingman when Staff Sgt. Jason E. Keefer passed away following a year-long valiant fight against a type of blood cancer. Sergeant Keefer served as a flight engineer with the 2nd ARS, and is survived by his wife Chrissi, daughter Sara, and son, Jaxon. 

Sergeant Keefer led his entire life as a servant to those around him. A native of Berkeley Springs, W.V., Sergeant Keefer's desire to serve led him to join the United States Air Force, beginning active duty in September 1995 at age 19. 

Following basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, and technical training school at Sheppard AFB, Texas, Sergeant Keefer first arrived at McGuire in 1996, reporting for duty in the 605th Aircraft Generation Squadron as a KC-10 assistant crew chief, flying crew chief, then assistant vehicle control officer. One of his flight chiefs noted, "Airman Keefer was totally committed; he performed duties without supervision and completed assigned tasks in a timely manner. He demonstrated excellent maintenance versatility and maintained superb working relationships." 

In 2000, Sergeant Keefer achieved a lifelong dream; to be able to fly. He cross-trained into the flight engineer career field, and was first assigned to Pope AFB, N.C., flying the C-130 Hercules. Sergeant Keefer graduated flight engineer training with a 93 percent average on all exams and was noted for displaying outstanding initiative, attitude, and drive. 

Known as a "go-to" engineer resolving in-flight emergencies, helping save lives and Air Force aircraft, Sergeant Keefer supported a wide range of missions to include presidential airlift, and time-critical warfighter re-supply for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom on combat missions into Afghanistan and Iraq. While flying the C-130, Sergeant Keefer was awarded two aerial achievement medals and an air medal for worldwide operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

Following four years at Pope AFB, Sergeant Keefer returned to McGuire in 2004 as a flight engineer on the KC-10. This second tour at McGuire allowed Sergeant Keefer to apply his attention to detail and work ethic to numerous deployments, combat sorties and VIP support missions. Sergeant Keefer also served as a vital member of the 2nd ARS scheduling section and as assistant NCO in charge of McGuire's Elite Honor Guard. 

Sergeant Keefer's contributions to the community included supporting Operation Santa Claus and developing support programs for children whose parents are deployed. In 2006, Sergeant Keefer and his family were prominently featured in the Sesame Street "Talk, Listen, Connect" primetime television special, and widely distributed DVD, "When Parents are Deployed," which educated military families on coping with deployments. 

In his spare time, Sergeant Keefer prided himself as an expert hunter and fisherman, and devoted his time to his wife and two children. "Family was his number one priority," said Master Sgt. Miroslav Nerad, 2nd ARS chief flight engineer. 

At a memorial service for Sergeant Keefer held at the Fort Dix main chapel Jan. 22, Lt. Col. Tim MacGregor, 2nd ARS commander, spoke directly to Sergeant Keefer's children, stating, "There are two things you should always remember: First, your dad loved you more than anything in the world. He will always love you, and he will always be in your heart. Second, your dad was a hero. He served our country, and he dedicated his life to protecting us and helping other people. Not many people can say their dad did that, but you can." 

Sergeant Keefer's decorations included three air medals and two aerial achievement medals. He accumulated 2,700 flight hours, including 540 combat and combat-support hours on 110 combat and combat-support missions. 

Maintainer, aviator, honor guardsman, Airman; Staff Sgt. Jason Keefer's efforts in and out of uniform were vital to the success of the United States Air Force and to making the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron "Second to None." 

For information on how to assist the Keefer family, call Master Sgt. Michele Noggle, 2nd ARS first sergeant, at (609) 754-5863. 

Editor's note: The Keefer family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the kindness shown by members of the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron and Team McGuire. The following note was written by the Keefer family. 

"On Jan. 16, Staff Sgt. Jason E. Keefer passed away after a long battle with a type of blood cancer. In the broad realm of things, his passing was of little note. But to his family, the loss was devastating. For his wife and children, mother, father, and aunts, uncles and cousins of this close-knit family, the world became smaller. A huge hole was left in our hearts and lives that Jason had filled. Throughout his long battle, Jason and his family were supported by his friends and comrades in his extended family, the United States Air Force. Upon his passing, the men and women of the 2nd ARS did everything humanly possible to make our family feel welcome and comforted as Jason was paid final tribute at his memorial service. His squadron mates helped us to better understand the part Jason had played in serving his country. We had always been proud of him. But that day, at his memorial service, we were filled to bursting with pride in our Jason. And so, for all the kindness, concern, warmth and fellowship that the men and women of the 2nd ARS showed us, we thank you from the depths our hearts. And a special thanks to Lt. Col. Tim MacGregor, Rob Boyer, Johnny Blount, Scott Best, Chris Stroupe, Michele Noggle, Mike Nerad, and the members of the Honor Guard, because you all made that terrible day more bearable and left us with a few more bittersweet memories of our boy."