Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Air Force SSGT Danielle Marie Crone, Age 25 of Wichita, KS.
Died Sep. 13, 2010
Danielle graduated from Fife High School, Fife, WA in 2003 and joined the Air Force immediately after. Danielle had a heart for giving back to her community from passing out food to the homeless on the street corners, volunteering as a Big Sister, donating clothing to the AMVETS, and served as a driver for Airmen Against Drunk Driving. Danielle truly lived a life of service; serving proudly in our Armed Forces and as a lifetime Girl Scout.
Danielle began her military career as a Boom Operator, graduating from the Basic Boom Operator course as a Distinguished Graduate. She was assigned to 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS. Danielle repeatedly deployed in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM. While deployed, she flew more than 130 combat sorties and off-loaded in excess of two million pounds of fuel to 49 different coalition aircraft; facilitating combat missions to attack and capture enemy forces. In addition, she was handpicked to support the Presidential Lift for the Asian Economic Conference; off-loading 60,000 pounds of fuel.
Assignments
Jul 03 – Jul 08 In-Flight Refueling Systems Operator, KC-135
384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS
Aug 08 – Pres Ophthalmic Craftsman
931st Aerospace Medicine Flight, McConnell AFB, KS
Awards and Decorations
Air Medal with two devices
Meritorious Unit Award with one device
AF Outstanding Unit Award with four devices and one Valor Device
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
AF Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour
AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
AF Longevity Service
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
AF Training Ribbon
It was an honor to walk 10.22 Miles with Air Force SSGT Danielle Marie Crone. It was raining when we left the house but we didn’t let a little rain stop us. Our first stop was the Obed River Park where we enjoyed the view of the river and listening to the birds. We then made a stop at the 9/11 Memorial. We then headed south on 127 and made a stop at the Veterans Memorial Park down town. After reading some of the names of our Fallen Brothers on the memorial wall we headed east over to Miller Ave. and then we made our way back to the house. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 370 honks. It was amazing. Thank you.
Air Force SSGT Danielle Marie Crone will not be forgotten !
