Photo By Chip Pons | Samantha Lewis, along with members of Team Cannon mourn the life of her late husband,...... read more read more
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CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. - The loss of a loved one is a fear that military spouses know all too well, but the pain and suffering associated with that life-altering news is unimaginable.
For Samantha Lewis, the unimaginable is now her reality.
Samantha, along with members of Team Cannon mourn the life of her late husband Staff Sgt. Jordan Lewis, 20th Special Operations Squadron CV-22 Osprey flight engineer, who sustained fatal injuries during a training accident at Melrose Air Force Range May 11.
After the heartbreaking news reached members of the squadron, Air Commandos from the 20th SOS jumped into action to aid Samantha and her two young children.
A crowdfunding account was created for the squadron in order to cover the expenses for retirements, going-away gifts and squadron events, but when the squadron lost one of their own, the fund took on a new purpose.
"The memorial fund was never intended to attract this much attention," Samantha said. "And then this tragedy happened and suddenly it turned into this separate entity that took on a life of its own."
In a matter of days, over $13,000 has been raised in a Fallen Green Hornet Memorial Fund in Staff Sgt. Lewis's honor; and that number continues to rise.
"Honestly, I am shocked and overwhelmed by the outpour of love and generosity that our Air Force community has displayed; it truly has blown me away," she continued.
From the very beginning of this experience, Samantha stated she has found solace in the support from teammates across the base.
"As I left the hospital, they prepared me for the whirlwind of events that would follow," she said. "By the time we got home from the hospital, I had been assigned a Family Advocacy Representative and a Summary Courts Officer. I cannot find words for how amazing they are. They have gone above and beyond because it is not only their job, but they are personally and emotionally invested in my family. They were able to get the ball rolling and do things behind the scenes that I did not even know I had to do."
"The base was able to quickly coordinate the memorial service, flights, timelines for Jordan's escort and they were able to start the massive paperwork process," she continued. "Everyone seems to be bending over backwards to be efficient, kind and as warm as possible to help me in any way, shape or form."
Both the large-scale efforts of agencies across the base and the close-knit family atmosphere of the 20th SOS have been a source of great comfort and support, according to Samantha.
"The members of the 20th SOS are now forever etched in my heart, and I know that my children will be taken care of due to the squadron's generosity and kindness," Samantha said. "Someday I will be able to tell my children about the Air Commandos who were there for us during this trying time. They are our family and they always will be."
Samantha voiced her gratitude for each individual who has contributed to relief efforts for her family.
"Just as there are no words for someone to express their sorrow for my loss, there are no words for me to express my sincere appreciation for all who have supported my family during this time," said Lewis. "Their impact on my life has been monumental, and I would be so lost if were not for their ability to come together and give me direction."
While the pain of her loss is only just beginning, Samantha is sure of one truth: her husband was a dedicated and valued member of the 20th SOS team; an Air Commando with dreams and desires that exceeded beyond himself.
"He loved his Air Force and military heritage," said Samantha. "He was so proud to be a part of the Air Force and to serve with the 20th, and I know his ultimate goal was to be part of the bigger picture-to make a difference."
Lewis's dedication to service extended from his career to his family, according to his wife.
"He was the love of my life," Samantha said. "He was strong, intelligent and brave. He loved his family with all of his heart and we loved him just as fiercely. He did anything and everything for us to ensure that life would be simple and happy."
Editor's note: For information on how you can assist the Lewis family, please contact Maj. Michael Rendos at 575-784-2426.
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2015 15:15 |
| Story ID: | 163990 |
| Location: | CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 216 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Generosity, gratitude in the face of loss, by Chip Pons, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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