Memorial Service honors Wolf Pack member

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Friends, family and servicemembers from throughout the base gathered here at Kunsan to pay final tribute to a fallen Wolf Pack member March 18 in the base theater.

Airman 1st Class Jarred J. Crowley, 25, assigned to the 8th Security Forces Squadron, died Tuesday, March 17, due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident March 7.

Wolf Pack members from across the base packed the 500-seat theater as they came to pay their final respects. Also in attendance was Airman Crowley's mother, Mrs. Thretha Crowley (Mama "T" as she is endearingly called by everyone). The service was both solemn and uplifting. Crowley's mother, friends and coworkers all paid tribute to the way in which this Wolf Pack defender conducted his life.

Commander of the 8th Security Forces Squadron, Lt. Col. Robert Frederiksen, said from the moment Jarred entered the Air Force he stood out as a leader. His skills were quickly noted when he was selected as a student leader during his technical training. "He was a man of remarkable talents and though he was with us for a short time he blessed us. Jarred was a defender and we honor his service to God, his family, his country and the Air Force," said Lt. Col. Frederiksen.

After only being assigned to the base for three months, he quickly became friend and confidante to several of his peers. His friends said Jarred could light up any room when he entered. This was reflected by the packed theater seats and the tears welling in the eyes of attendees -- a testament of his true kindred spirit.

"He loved making people laugh. He was a strong honest and a true friend; a brother and a true inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was my brother beyond blood," said Senior Airman Watson McCoy, his friend and coworker with the 8th SFS.

Other friends, supervisors, leaders and Wolf Pack members also delivered touching remembrances of their times together with Jarred.

However, the most touching moment came when his mother, Mama "T", began to speak.
"Jarred was my shadow. We did everything together," said Mrs. Crowley. "I knew Jarred knew his mom loved him and I knew Jarred loved me too."

In true Wolf Pack fashion everyone bonded together to express their love for Jarred and show their support for Mama "T" and her family. The immediate bond between Mama "T" and the Wolf Pack was easy to see, especially with the 8th SFS Defenders.

"Since coming here, I've learned a lot about the Air Force," she said. "I felt a lot of love and a lot of true friendships here. I see such a family knitted together in love and support for one another."

In closing she expressed her appreciation to everyone for their messages of comfort and support and embraced the Wolf Pack with her motherly love.

"I am going to talk to him every day of my life," she said. "I will talk to Jarred for the rest of my life."

Airman Crowley, a New Jersey native, enlisted in the Air Force June 2, 2009. After basic training he attended security forces technical training. His assignment here to Kunsan was his first duty assignment following his graduation from technical training school at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.