Memorial Service honors Wolf Pack defender

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Friends, family and servicemembers from throughout the base gathered together in the base theater here to pay final tribute to a fallen Wolf Pack member March 18.

Airman 1st Class Jarred J. Crowley, 25, assigned to the 8th Security Forces Squadron, died March 17 due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident March 7.

Wolf Pack Airmen from across the base packed the 500-seat theater as they came to pay their final respects. Also in attendance was Airman Crowley's mother, Mrs. Thretha Crowley -- Mama "T" as she is endearingly called by everyone at the 8th SFS. The memorial service was both solemn and uplifting. Crowley's mother, friends, co-workers and supervisors all paid tribute to the way this Wolf Pack defender conducted his life.

Lt. Col. Robert Frederiksen, commander of the 8th SFS, said from the moment Jarred entered the Air Force, he stood out as a leader.

His skills were quickly noted when he was selected as a student leader during his technical training, he said.  

"He was a man of remarkable talents and though he was with us for only a short time, he blessed us," said Colonel Frederiksen.  "Jarred was a defender, and we honor his service to God, his family, his country and the Air Force."

After only being assigned to the base for three months, Airman Crowley quickly became friend and confidante to several of his peers. His friends said Jarred could light up any room when he entered. This was reflected by the packed theater seats and the tears welling in the eyes of the attendees -- a testament of his true kindred spirit. Many of his friends took to the podium to speak out about his quick smile, love of sports and his caring nature.

"I was honored to play baskbetball with him," said Senior Airman Watson McCoy, 8th SFS defender, friend, co-worker, and teammate.  "He led us to many a victory on the basketball court, dunked on people, but he was always a good sportsman. He made everybody proud."

Airman Crowley led his intramural basketball team to the championship. The team lost in overtime. Airman McCoy remembers him not only as a teammate but as a brother.

"He was a strong, honest and true friend; a brother; and a true inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him," said Airman McCoy. "He was my brother beyond blood." 

Though many of Airman Crowley's friends delivered touching remembrances of their times with him and how he was like family, the most touching moment came when his mother, Mama "T," began to speak.

"Jarred was my shadow," said Mrs. Crowley. "We did everything together. I knew Jarred knew his mom loved him and I knew Jarred loved me too."

In true Wolf Pack fashion, everyone bonded together to express their love for Jarred and show their support for Mama "T" and her family. The immediate bond between Mama "T" and the Wolf Pack was easy to see, especially with the 8th SFS defenders.

"Since coming here, I've learned a lot about the Air Force," she said. "I felt a lot of love and a lot of true friendships here. I see such a family knitted together in love and support for one another."

In closing, she expressed her appreciation to everyone for their messages of comfort and support and embraced the Wolf Pack with her motherly love.

"I am going to talk to him every day of my life," she said. "I will talk to Jarred for the rest of my life."

Airman Crowley, a New Jersey native, enlisted in the Air Force June 2, 2009. After basic training, he attended security forces technical training. His assignment here to Kunsan was his first duty assignment following his graduation from technical training school at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.