From the Langley-Eustis Joint Base web site:
In loving memory of Senior Airman Prine
SN1 and I talked a bit about this last week. This terrible event happened during Buck's first full week in command and profoundly affected him. As the post title indicates... sometimes it's not easy.Roxanne Prine, mother of the late U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Prine, accepts the Air Force Achievement Medal from Maj. Ivan Pennington, 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during a memorial service at Langley Air Force Base, Va., July 3, 2014. Senior Airman Prine, a 1st AMXS crew chief, died at the age of 23 in an accidental drowning and is survived by his mother, father, sister and other relatives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aubrey White/Released)
RIP, SrA Prine.
I've always thought duty of that sort must be some of the hardest to do. There are no set words that can make someone feel better; if there were, they would have been shouted from the rooftops long ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shock to lose a shipmate to a tragic accident. It is hardest on the family but the people you work with in the military are often as close as family.
ReplyDeleteIt sucks to have this happen at any time, but in his first week as commander? Tough job.
ReplyDeletePrayers for SrA Prine's family and friends.
Thanks for your kind words, guys.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I'm late to Quarters (that would be late to formation, or roll call, to non-Navy types).
ReplyDeleteI have never envied a CO with such a task.
About the only words that seem to make any sense are, "I'm sorry for you loss."
That never seems like enough.
After I made MSgt the commander interviewed me to take over a flight of 40 airmen/officers. I asked him why he was even considering me, because I was such a goof-ball. He said he needed a goof-ball because he knew I was having fun, but he wanted me to translate that into a flight of achievers. Able to pass any inspection. I told him the Major running the flight was ROAD (retired on active duty). He asked me what Major I wanted, and I told him. He thought about it and said "holy shit, two goof-balls". OK, I'll make the announcement in a week.
ReplyDeleteIt was the best job, it was the worst job. No one got killed, but I had more than 3-bags full...sir
Airmen need constant attention, until about E-5 when they self-engage and start thinking before they leap.
@ Skip: You're right: "I'm sorry for your loss," while entirely fitting and true, is never really enough.
ReplyDelete@ Leadership: Your last sentence is oh-so-true.