By Airman Elliott Sprehe: 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — The 27th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron dedicated a memorial Dec. 3 to Capt. Kermit Evans Sr., an explosive ordinance disposal technician who died in Iraq last year.
The memorial ceremony, held at 27 SOCES headquarters, took place on the one-year anniversary of his death.
Uniformed airmen raised a salute during the playing of the national anthem while civilians placed their hands over their hearts.
Captain Evans’ widow, Perneatha, and son, Kermit Jr. were in attendance, along with his parents and brother, who was with his wife.
Capt. David Troxell, 27 SOCES, presided over the memorial, remembering the life of Captain Evans.
“Because of his dedication to service we’re here to honor him,” said Troxell, speaking of the shadow box, which is currently and indefinitely hung in the 27 SOCES building in memorial to his life at Cannon as an EOD technician, an airman and a person.
The shadow box consists of medals Captain Evans was awarded along with duty badges and U.S. and rank insignia.
“(The shadow box) also contains a written reflection of where he excelled in all aspects of life,” said Troxell. “He enabled anyone to feel calm and relaxed,” which was a reflection of his upbringing in Hollandale, Miss.
Referring to the new Airmen’s Creed introduced earlier this year, Lt. Col. Stephen Wood, 27 SOCES commander, said, “When I heard it in April, I immediately thought of Captain Evans.”
It embraced the Air Force warfighting ethos, and Captain Evans gave his life defending his country, said Wood.
A single rose was presented to both Captain Evans’ widow and mother, both of which were followed by a salute.
A yellow ribbon hung across the building entrance was then cut by Perneatha, officially dedicating the memorial. After cutting the ribbon, she and Kermit Jr. unveiled the shadow box in remembrance of her husband.
Following the memorial dedication, a special retreat was held by the 27 SOCES in front of 27th Special Operations Wing headquarters.
“Please know that we share your loss, today and always,” said Wood.
