Memorial service held for 512th CES firefighter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph Yanik
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --   Approximately 100 Liberty Wing reservists gathered for a memorial service for Senior Airman Alberto Soto Feb. 8, 2014 at Chapel 1, here.

Soto, a 512th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, had been with the 512th Airlift Wing since last August. He died from brain cancer Jan. 31.

Senior Master Sgt. James McGarvey, 512th CES chief of operations, spearheaded the planning of the service. McGarvey said he extended an invitation to all wing members in a flyer and during staff and group meetings.

The hour-long service began with an invocation by 512th AW Chaplain (Maj.) Mark Flores, followed by remarks from Col. Gretchen Wiltse, 512th Mission Support Group commander.

Wiltse recalled Soto's positive attitude and his willingness to assist his unit, even while he was sick. She praised he and his wife's determination to get the best quality of medical care by keeping meticulous notes of his treatment and being vocal with his doctors to ensure they received the attention they deserved.

All the while, she added, Soto and his wife never forgot to live their lives to the fullest by taking family trips, preparing for the winter holiday season and being with his kids on Christmas day.

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Cullen, 512th CES operations chief, also shared some of his thoughts with those in attendance. Holding a basic training picture of Soto, wearing a neutral facial expression, he said the image was probably the only time he ever saw Soto without a smile.

"(Soto) was always asking questions (to his supervisor) during his upgrade training," said Cullen. "He had the greatest attitude. I, personally, learned a lot from his perseverance."

He added the CES will go on fulfilling its mission, but it will miss Soto's example of never giving up.

One of Soto's closest friends, Senior Airman Jonathon Leopold, a 512th CES firefighter, told a story that revealed Soto's good nature. He said Soto was chosen to dress up like Sparkey the Dog to entertain a group of elementary school students touring their squadron last October.

"The suit (Soto) wore was too big, and we had to switch it out with a tighter suit," said Leopold. "But, he was dancing and having fun with it anyway. The kids really appreciated it."

The memorial service concluded with a song of reflection sung by Wiltse and Mike Rudis, the base choir director for Catholic services, a playing of taps, a reading from the Bible and a moment of silence.

McGarvey said some reservists travel far distances to attend unit training assemblies and may not be able to travel to attend funeral services.

"Military memorial services like these are important," he said. "Because, it gives wing members an opportunity to say goodbye to fellow reservists who have died."