CAFB holds memorial service for firefighter Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Friends, family and wingmen mourned the loss of a 14th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter during a memorial service in his honor at the Columbus Air Force Base Chapel on July 3.

Senior Airman Geoffry Cullen Jr., passed away June 29 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Fellow firefighters spoke throughout the service of Cullen's kindness, sense of humor and ability to live life to the fullest. According to them, some of Cullen's favorite things were hunting, trucks and sweets. They told stories showing just how much Cullen embodied the core value of Service Before Self.

"He was the kind of person that for anything you needed he would be there for," said Senior Airman Jason Pincheon, 14th CES. "Ask for the shirt off his back, and it was yours."

During the memorial service Lt. Col. David Meissen, 14th CES Commander shared a story about how just a week prior, Jeff and three other firefighters saved a baby and father caught in the current the Buttahatchee river.

"Immediately afterwards the family was reunited, the baby made safe. Jeff made his way back over to the river's edge and proceeded to throw up," said Meissen. "He had just given his all to save the life of another."

"Though this is a time of grief I'm happy and grateful that he has been a part of and impacted so many of our lives," said Steven Ferrell, 14th CES

The accident is under investigation by local and Air Force officials.