Team Eglin remembers Senior Airman "Jimmy" Hansen

  • Published
  • By Sachel Seabrook
  • 96 ABW/PA
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Friends and family came to honor Senior Airman James "Jimmy" Hansen Oct. 1 at the East Gate Chapel.

"I'm feel sorry for the Airmen that come behind him," says Tech. Sgt. Latanja Steele, who served as Hansen's supervisor at the 46th Operations Support Squadron. "He was a great role, model and I'm sorry future Airmen won't have the chance to look up to him."

Senior Airman James Hansen, 25, of Athens, Mich., died Sept. 15 of wounds suffered during a controlled detonation at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

His parents, Dr. Rich and Emily Hansen fought back their tears as friends and co-workers shared their memories of time spent with Airman Hansen.

"We are proud to have had the opportunity to know him," Lt. Col. David Radomski, 46th OSS commander, said.

Airman Hansen arrived at Eglin in September 2008 and was an airfield management operations coordinator.

"I want people to remember him as quiet and fun-loving," said Dr. Hansen.

As the Team Eglin community lined up to leave memorabilia for the family, Mr. Leslie Matheson played Amazing Grace on the bag-pipe. An emotional honor guard bugler played taps, concluding the ceremony with his performance.

"Long after we move from Eglin and retire from the Air Force, he will continue to be a welcomed memory in our minds and we will always remember him," Sergeant Steele said.