ALS class commemorates fallen Published Nov. 18, 2011 By Kish Airman Leadership School Class 11-G Kish Airman Leadership School JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- We, Kish Airman Leadership School Class 11-G, ask you to remember those lost in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. We ask you to honor our Gold Star Families whose son or daughter made the eternal sacrifice in service to our nation. While our own service may seem difficult at times, parents of servicemembers endure challenges and struggles only known to mothers and fathers. Having a child is allowing your heart to walk outside of your own body. In the words of Linda Wooten, "Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had and dealing with fears you didn't know existed." We know the sacrifices Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen make when they commit to service and when they lay down their life for freedom; however, we do not always recognize their families' sacrifices. Parents know in the back of their minds the possibility of what can happen when their sons and daughters go off to war. The Gold Star parents carry on and continue to serve in memory of their loved ones, our heroes. We must always remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms and honor their Gold Star mothers and fathers. We remember Army Spc. Ryan Travis Baker who lost his life when his Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Mosul, Iraq while supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Nov. 15, 2003. Baker joined the Army with the goal of working on Black Hawk helicopters. He was honored to serve in the most highly decorated unit of the United States Army, the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division. Baker was not shy about being a "Momma's Boy," and after his Mom pinned his wings on, he took tremendous pride in being a Blackhawk crew chief and aerial gunner. During his frequent telephone conversations with his Mom, he recounted experiences of transporting dignitaries including Colin Powel through Afghanistan and Iraq. Travis was best known for his ability to roll with the punches. The only time his laid-back demeanor changed was when he worried about perfecting his crew chief duties, being a strong role model for his son, or cooking Thanksgiving dinner like his Mom - all of which he achieved with excellence and zeal for life. Because of his service and sacrifice, we honor Army Specialist Travis Baker. His friends, comrades, and family could never forget how much he loved Ben and Gerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream, Philadelphia Eagles football, and his Blackhawk helicopter, but he loved nothing more than being a father ... and a son. In memory of Specialist Travis Baker, we honor his mother, Vicki Baker. We remember Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jon T. Hicks Jr, who was killed in action Sept. 10, 2007, while conducting combat operations during his first tour in Iraq. Hicks believed it was his duty to help defeat terrorism and "get the bad guys," after the attacks on 9/11. He joined the Marines in January 2006 after graduating from Hammonton High School and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. He was eager to serve in the corps because he viewed it as a stepping-stone to help him reach his dream of a career in law enforcement, as he hoped to one day become a SWAT team member. Those who served with and loved Hicks will always remember his strong will, genuine compassion and purest intentions to do what was right. Anyone who knew him could never forget his love of paintball, video games and his Philadelphia Eagles. Most of all, Hicks loved nothing more than his family. In memory of Lance Corporal Jon Hicks Jr, we honor his mother and father, Cathy and Jon Hicks. We remember Petty Officer 1st Class Navy Seal David M. Tapper who was killed in action on Aug. 20, 2003 while conducting combat operations in a lawless province near the Pakistani border. He was a son, husband, father of four, brother to five, and not only the protector of the Tapper family, but a also defender of our nation. Tapper was a selfless man, who cared more about others than himself. He enlisted in the Navy after high school, in November 1989, with the intention of making the highly competitive and prestigious SEAL team. He graduated from SEAL Class 172 and spent more than 12 years living his dream at many assignments including Afghanistan, Baghdad and once again in Afghanistan for his final mission. Often called upon to conduct the most harrowing missions, "Tap" - as those who served with him knew him - took part in the April rescue of wounded prisoner of war Jessica Lynch, and helped recover the bodies of nine American soldiers buried near the Iraqi hospital where she was held. Tapper will always be remembered for his selfless service, dedication to his country and the immeasurable love he had for his mother and family. In memory of Tapper, we honor his mother, Judi Tapper. We remember Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Nelson Brown who gave his life on April 1, 2007. Because of his service as an aerospace medical technician for the 4th Medical Operations Squadron, countless men and women are thankful for the medical support Aaron provided. He bravely and unselfishly answered his nation's call to defend freedom and protect the nation and its allies. Early in life, Brown began molding his leadership skills by serving in Ridgefield Park, Boy Scout Troop 7, and the Palisades Park Sea Scouts. He served his Neighborhood Reform Church and volunteered as an ambulance corps member as an adult. His dedication to the Air Force and his community are a testament to the core values we strive to uphold. In memory of Brown, we honor his mother and father, Kristin Mooney and Leonard Brown. We remember Petty Officer 3rd Class Shaun Lin who gave his life on October 13, 2010 after falling into the James River near Newport News during a training exercise in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He was attempting to transfer from a 25-foot small boat to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Frank Drew when he fell from a ladder into the water near the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. Lin first served the Coast Guard Station Boston as a fireman then transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Maui in the North Arabian Gulf before arriving at Maritime Safety and Security Team New York. He served with honor, earning many awards including two Commandant Commendation Medals and two marksman ribbons. Lin was a very competitive arm wrestler from the time he was a teenager and throughout his service in the Coast Guard. Aside from family, his passion was being known as the Staten Island go-to guy for arm-wrestling - which he was as he reined champion. In memory of Lin, we honor his mother, Marion White. The sacrifices of our fallen brothers and sisters in arms will never be in vain, for America remembers its heroes who defend us so proudly - we are eternally grateful. Though they are no longer with us, savor your cherished memories, hold your heroes closely to your hearts and bond them to your spirits, where they are immortal for "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal." Our military is a family united - when one family loses a member, we all grieve. When a hero makes the eternal sacrifice, we remember. We are a weaker country without your sons, but we are a stronger nation because of their service and your sacrifice. We honor the Gold Star families who carry on and continue to serve in memory of their sons and daughters, our heroes. Freedom is not free - we remember.