673d Security Forces Squadron dedicates memorial to fallen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Raymond Mills
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The 673d Security Forces Squadron unveiled a bronze plaque commemorating Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton of Miami, Oklahoma, and Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy of San Antonio, May 11 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Norton and McElroy were assigned to the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron when they were killed in Iraq on Jan. 22, 2006 after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while escorting supply trucks on Main Supply Route Tampa.

Both were posthumously awarded Bronze Star Medals and Purple Hearts for their actions.

"Though I did not have the honor of serving with Jason or Brian, through some research, and help from their families, it's clear that these two men where heroes, not only to their country but to their families and friends," said Lt.

Col. Christopher Bromen, 673d  SFS commander.

Norton, a military working dog trainer for the 3rd Security Forces Squadron, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and grew up in Miami, Oklahoma. He graduated from Miami High school in 1991 prior to joining the Air Force.

Norton is remembered as a motivated noncommissioned officer who put the mission first.

"Sergeant Norton was my go-to-guy," said Capt. Kimani Alston, Norton's detachment commander in Iraq. "His last mission was the first for our detachment to that new location. He was one of our best and was excited to go on that dangerous mission."

Norton is survived by his wife, Christina Norton and children Rebecca and Dalton.

McElroy, the NCO in charge of information security for the 3rd Security Forces Squadron, was born in Bedford, England.  He graduated from Churchill High School in San Antonio in 1996 prior to enlisting in the Air Force.

"He was a remarkable man that approached his life with generosity to those around him, dedication to service and a mischievous sense of humor that positively sparkled in his eyes," said Norton's wife, Aymber McElroy. 

McElroy is survived by his wife and his daughter Kaley.

"They recognized that remembering and honoring the sacrifice of those who came before us makes us stronger, more resilient and more dedicated to our own service," said Bromen. "Why we memorialize was said best by Abraham Lincoln during his Gettysburg Address."

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."