Nation Mourns Airman Roger Fortson, a Symbol of Service and Tragedy

The sanctuary of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, became a poignant tableau of grief and solidarity as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay tribute to Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

In a sobering homage, airmen in dress blues lined up to honor one of their own, whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 23 by a sheriff’s deputy’s bullets in his Florida home. In the solemn ceremony, the dress blues of Air Force members filled the pews, a testament to the high esteem in which Fortson was held. Col. Patrick Dierig, commanding officer of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Air Force Base where Fortson served, said, “As you can see from the sea of Air Force blue, I am not alone in my admiration of Senior Airman Fortson.” Dierig reflected on Fortson’s inherent greatness, a quality he possessed before his time in the Air Force, one that shone brightly in his service and character.