Photo By Staff Sgt. Solomon Cook | The newly named Kemp Pilot Gym plaque was unveiled March 21, at Tyndall, Air Force...... read more read more
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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - I am an American Airman. My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor,” are words within the Airman’s Creed all Airmen recite throughout their career.
The legacy of Col. Larry “Pinball” Kemp was transformed into a location March 21, at the Tyndall Pilots’ Gym when it was renamed the “Kemp Pilot Gym.”
“This dedication is really special to me and our family,” said Adelina Kemp, Colonel Kemp’s widow. “It’s like a living memory of Larry and what he stood for. He was an incredibly disciplined man and believed in taking care of yourself so you could be the best that you could be.”
Kemp’s storied career is summed up by his biography.
“Kemp was born in Murray, Utah, on July 16, 1951. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Plant Science in 1973. Following this, he received a commission in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for over 30 years. During his years of service, he received many awards and recognitions as an F-4, F-5 and F-15 pilot. Additionally, he held several military leadership positions, culminating as commander of the Southeast Air Defense Sector at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in May, 2003, and continued as a civil servant, as an F-22 Raptor flight simulator instructor until late 2014.”
Prior to the unveiling of the new sign on the door and plaque inside, members of Kemp family and Tyndall leadership gathered at the gym that was to bear his name to memorialize Kemp’s life and fondly reminisce.
“I am humbled to be in the presence of Pinball’s spirit, his family, his friends and his gym,” said Col. Robert Sanford, 601st Air Operations Center combat control officer. “The mark he left on the Air National Guard and the Air Force community needs no embellishment.
“Pinball would definitely be glad to see us all by the gym right now,” Sanford said. “To be honest, I tried to avoid the gym when Pinball was here, because I’m telling you there was never enough weight on the bar when I was on the bench compared when he was lifting.
“I don’t know about ya’ll, but I keep looking for him. I know it’s crazy, but I expect for his face to come around the corner any minute telling me to put more weight on the bar. If this is what we call spirit, then his spirit is still with me and I hope it never leaves,” Sanford added.
Although lighthearted stories about Kemp were told, a somber tone rang through the entire dedication.
“You have heard many positive words today to describe Pinball,” Sanford said. “I will use many of the same words, which is no coincidence. Because what you saw in Pinball is what you got: intelligence, honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, belief, determination, love, empathy, strength, dignity, kindness and compassion. He was comfortable in his own skin and was the best listener.
“One of the things I loved about him was that he took the time to listen to and learn from those around him. Pinball would never defend or, for that matter, concede a point for the sake of doing it. He would always acknowledge that different people with different experiences could respectfully hold their own viewpoints,” Sanford added.
At the conclusion of the event, Ms. Kemp remembered her husband, and gave insight as to how he would have reacted to this honor.
“Larry spent a lot of time in this gym,” Kemp said. “He took care of it and worked out here. This means so much to our family. As you can see, our family traveled from as far as Reno and Utah, “she said. “If Larry was here, he wouldn’t want all this fuss going on about him, but he would be very honored. “
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2016 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 193414 |
| Location: | TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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