50th Space Wing Public Affairs
6/19/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A video montage was shown two minutes before the ceremony began. Photos of a man during Basic Military Training, at a family member's wedding, in a foreign country and more. Some showed him with his mother, his father, his sisters and many with his friends and co-workers. Then a slide with just the inscription, "10 Dec. 1975 - 3 June 2013".
The main fitness center gymnasium was almost full. Men and women wearing service dress and others in airman battle uniforms gathered to recognize one of Schriever's own. Co-workers, friends and strangers attended the event. Regardless of their familiarity, everyone seemed to be struggling; losing someone is tough.
The ceremony began June 14. It was a memorial service for Tech. Sgt. Edward Weber, an American Airman, a leader, a friend, a coworker, a brother and a son. Weber died in a motorcycle crash June 3 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"The day before the accident, I ran into Sergeant Weber three times," said Lt. Col. Lynn Plunkett, 50 SCS commander, during the service. "I said jokingly, 'Sergeant Weber, are you stalking me?' He said, 'No, ma'am, I am just out and about all the time.'"
Plunkett continued and talked about Weber's leadership style and work ethic as well as his love for the Air Force.
"Sergeant Weber was a model Airman," she said. "You heard a lot of stories about him today, his accolades, his leadership style, how he mentored his Airmen and his technical expertise. He lived by the Air Force core values."
Weber was the guy who made it happen, Plunkett said.
"He wasn't just the guy who made sure he got face time," she narrated. "He was the guy who just wanted to take care of his folks and get the mission done."
Plunkett also recounted the day of the accident and of learning that one of her worst nightmares as a commander had come true.
"For all commanders, they never want to lose an Airman," she said. "I am also an Airman, I am a friend, I am a supervisor, I am a subordinate, I am a mother and I am a sister. I feel for each of you today."
During the ceremony, friends and coworkers relayed stories about their experiences with Weber as well as his professionalism and how he was when he was out of uniform.
"The biggest things I valued [of Sergeant Weber] were the small things," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Riascos, 50 SCS. "We would just crack jokes and bond with each other, making the time pass and making everybody laugh. He always had a great attitude. His selflessness to the mission and his attitude were contagious."
Staff Sgt. James Baker, 50 SCS, recounted Weber's love for riding and how they rode even during the cold weather.
"Through all the steak, beer, bikes, sports and ammo, Ed was one of the most genuine people I've known and the first person I would ride anywhere in this world with," Baker said. "Riding is a way of life and my life will never be the same. But those who knew Ed know he would tell you to keep on riding for him and never ride a motorcycle with a backrest. Rest in peace, buddy."
Master Sgt. Kevin Sargent, 50th Space Wing, said people generally thought of Weber as quiet and reserved.
"Behind this exterior was an individual with great talent and passion," Sargent said. "[Weber] was an avid motorcycle rider, incredibly intelligent, athletic, and caring and so many other things. He was also very close to his family, friends and coworkers. A lot of people care about him."
Throughout the ordeal, Plunkett found a higher respect for the men and women of the 50 SCS.
"To Sergeant Weber's family, thank you for being here, thank you for your son, thank you for his service, for making us part of your family for the past [few] weeks," Plunkett said. "To the men and women of 50 SCS, thank you for the Airmen that you are and for what you do every day for our mission and each other...Keep it up. We got this and we will make it through this and be stronger for it."
The people began to disperse from the gym as the montage of Weber's photos played one last time. Then the bugler played the last note of the taps, signifying the end of the ceremony.
Just like his life, the montage can't be extended with future photos of Weber anymore. His smiles can't be seen, his laughter and voice can't be heard and new memories with him can't be made; he can now only be remembered.
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