Homestead Air Reserve Base honors fallen friend

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lou Burton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fl. --  "Strength is born in the deep silence of long-suffering hearts; not amid joy." -Arthur Helps.

In honor of a fallen friend; Mr. Kevin Louis O'Neal, the 482nd Fighter Wing dedicated the base civil engineering conference room to the engineering flight member on Sept 10.

On Nov 10, 2009 Mr. O'Neal was traveling to work at Homestead Air Reserve Base and was struck by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle.

During this tragedy, several heroes sprang to action to help save his life. While their efforts came up tragically short, these individuals: Master Sgt. Joseph Bonura, Tech. Sgt. Noland Clinton, Tech. Sgt. David Melendez, and Staff Sgt. Anthony Toledo were awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for their attempt at saving Mr. O'Neal's life, directing traffic, and keeping the accident scene from escalating.

The dedicated conference room will display a plaque that reads: The Base Civil Engineering Complex Conference Room is dedicated in honor of Kevin Louis O'Neal, a talented civilian Engineering Flight member, former Air Force NCO, accomplished musician and poet, youth soccer coach, and devoted husband and father, and friend to all. Having shared his considerable talents with the Homestead community and Homestead ARB for over 20 years, establishing this memorial after his tragic loss serves to recognize Kevin Louis O'Neal's many contributions to the success of Base Civil Engineering and also pays lasting tribute to his enduring spirit, energy, and generous nature which enriches all who fondly remember him.