5th ASOS members dedicate Auchman auditorium

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keoni Chavarria
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Service members of the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron and family members of Master Sgt. Steven Auchman attended a dedication ceremony of an auditorium in the 5th ASOS, Nov. 21, 2014, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The auditorium was dedicated to Auchman in order to show appreciation toward his contributions as he gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life.

"This memorial will continue to help us remember his legacy as a member of the 5th ASOS," said Lt. Col. Francis Scolaro, 5th ASOS commander.  "He dedicated his life to defend this nation, and like our Airman's Creed states, gave his ultimate sacrifice and defended this country with his life. This is a small token of remembrance that we can do for him."

Auchman was a maintenance superintendent with the 5th ASOS from Feb. 2004 until Nov. 2004. While deployed to the city of Mosul, Iraq, Auchman died from the injuries he received during a mortar attack, Nov. 9, 2004.

Some unit members believe that the auditorium will serve as a way to help continue to inspire others as they remember his legacy.  

"Master Sgt. Auchman actually was in the same career field as me, so I could've been in the exact same position as him, if I had been here 10 years ago," said, Master Sgt. Christopher Brower, 5th ASOS communication flight chief. "So it's important to show, that if the worst comes to past, as long as you are not forgotten, you never really go away. As long as you are remembered, you are still able to influence lives long after that."

"We will never forget you, and we see dedications such as that," said Master Sgt. Doris Belk, 5th ASOS support superintendent. "We all know where we came from, and we will never forget that." 

During the ceremony, Auchman's spouse, Jennifer, shared a few words. "I just want to say thank you. Steve would be very humbled with this, and he would say he would not deserve this, even if the rest of us think that he does."

To visit this auditorium, contact the 5th ASOS at 253-357-6048.