Photo By Estella Holmes | A wreath marks the location where a Department of Defense civilian employee tragically...... read more read more
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One year later, remembering a patriot, a friend
BAGRAM AIRFIELD AFGHANISTAN (June 8, 2016) - A wreath marks the location where a Department of Defense civilian employee tragically lost her life in a June 8, 2015 rocket attack.
Krissie K. Davis was a Defense Logistics Agency civilian employee serving a six-month rotation in Afghanistan as a logistics disposition service specialist
Placing a wreath at the site of the attack that ended her life is but one way of honoring Davis, whose life had a sustained impact on others with whom she worked and lived.
DLA civilian employees typically deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month period then return to their home station. This allows a relatively short period of time to become familiar with new coworkers at the deployed location.
Jeff Livingston, a former co-worker and DLA disposition services area manager described Davis as a person with a sunny disposition, friendly personality and infectious smile and well-liked by her coworkers and friends.
“Davis was a strong battle buddy. She and her battle buddy, Robert DeLong, went everywhere together.” In fact, he was the driver of the car that was hit by indirect fire that day.
The rocket struck the underside of the car on Davis’ side, as they traveled to breakfast at Yelner dining facility that morning.
Davis was an American patriot who served her country, as a career civil servant, for more than three decades. “So, no matter if Krissie entered your life for a reason, for a season or like her family, for a lifetime…there is one consistent factor...and that is that Krissie Davis left a lasting impression on all those who came across her and she will be loved and missed,” said Col. Eric Jackson, DLA Support Team Commander.
On this one-year anniversary observance, only two persons who served with Davis remains with her unit here in Afghanistan. This speaks to the reality of the cyclical life of a DLA employee.
“Krissie never met a stranger. Without her, things have changed in a big way,” Livingston said. “If she were with us today, everyone here would know her and most would be among her many friends.”
The attack that ended Davis’ life was a stark reminder to everyone who remained, and those that followed, to always be vigilant and to react properly to warnings or sirens. An extended period of time with no direct mortar hits, or with no confirmed impact, can lead to a relaxed attitude where any person here does not react as quickly and properly as possible.
“Now, we take warnings more seriously because we know someone who was killed or injured,” said Livingston. “If an alarm has sounded and we know a worker is not in the safe spot, we go and get them.”
Davis was a 54 year old veteran and DLA civilian from Alabama and only the second deployed DLA Disposition Services civilian lost to combat related injuries in Afghanistan.
DLA civilian employees and others- military and civilian alike- may come and go in this deployed environment. Col. Jackson said. “Davis’ memory and service are honored during this wreath laying ceremony, her co-workers can look back at the positive manner in which she lived her life, the tremendous service she gave to her nation, and be reminded of the fact that we will never forget our fallen comrade, who gave her very best to ensure the success of the Resolute Support Mission.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2016 06:46 |
| Story ID: | 200468 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 456 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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