Bonds make memorial flight emotional for 380th airmen

Photo By Master Sgt. Joshua Garcia | U.S. Air Force Senior Alejandro Ruiz, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, physiological support division technician, stands next to a memorial dedication to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Suzzett Stalesky, a member of the U-2 family who recently passed away from cancer. Ruiz was close friends with Stalesky and had known her for more than six years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

08.30.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - Several members of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron practiced this tradition by honoring recently passed U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Suzett "Suzy" Stalesky, physiological support division technician, with a memorial flight at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Aug. 12, 2013.

To honor Stalesky, 99th ERS flew a U-2 Dragon Lady with special chalk art. Each piece of art had a special meaning, the beach setting to show Stalesky's love for summer time, the American flag showing her love of country and being in the military, and the PSD van representing her role in the U-2 community.

The flight held extra meaning for one member of the 99th ERS whose friendship with Stalesky spans most of his military career.

"I have known Suzett since my first duty station. Since then, it's like we followed each other," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alejandro Ruiz, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, physiological support division technician. "She was like a sister to me."

Ruiz met Stalesky after arriving at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. They soon became friends and would end up living together for a better part of six years spanning two different bases.

"The longest time we spent separated from each other was six months," said Ruiz. "It was only because she was deployed to Korea."

Ruiz moved to California, after his tour at Sheppard AFB a month later Stalesky followed. Stalesky bought a house in the local area and Ruiz has been renting a room from her ever since.

"People always thought [our relationship] was crazy or there was something there between us," said Ruiz. "But it was really a genuine sibling love."

The two deployed for the first time together in December 2011 to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, where they both gained a greater respect for their jobs and how they directly affect the mission. Ruiz said Stalesky was the model Airman, big on standards, customs and courtesies, and getting the job done efficiently.

Ruiz was on his second tour at the 380th AEW, when he got word early in the year of Stalesky's medical diagonosis. He was in constant contact with her until her passing Aug. 7, 2013.

"I know she hears me, I know she watches over me, and I know she wants me to be happy," said Ruiz. "She was someone special she was the only consistent thing I had once I joined the military."

Although deployed, Ruiz was able to watch the memorial service for Stalesky Aug. 11, 2013 held at Beale AFB via the internet.

"First thing I saw was the casket with the American flag draped over it," said Ruiz. "That was the hardest thing. That's when it felt real."

Ruiz said the set up for the memorial was very elegant, with a U-2 as the backdrop 3-4 enlarged photos of Stalesky were on display with flower arrangements, and the casket and podium upfront center stage of it all.

The memorial flight for Stalesky was flown in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The flight held special meaning to the pilot who worked with Stalesky in Korea.

"It was an honor to fly the jet in memorial to staff sergeant Stalesky," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel, 99th ERS. "She was one of the most professional and positive Airmen I've ever had the privilege to work with."

Along with the 99th ERS, all Dragon Lady detachments and the home unit at flew memorial missions for Stalesky. Along with the memorial flight, Ruiz and his co-workers honored his friend in another manner.

"I just found out that I made staff, so I flew a set of stripes on the mission," said Ruiz. "To me, her name will always be in my stripes."

With safety being a big topic on any flightline the PSD shop all wear specially designed safety belts with the saying "In Loving Memory Suzzett Stalesky" written on them.

"It's sad that she passed, she was so young, but I know she is out there looking down and she loved the artwork and everything," said Ruiz. "Every time I catch myself smiling I know she is up there smiling with me."

• Date Taken: 08.30.2013
• Date Posted: 08.30.2013 08:26
• Story ID: 112910
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)