Candlelight vigil at Barksdale in memory of B-52 crew
Created: July 24, 2008 12:49 PM    
Modified: July 24, 2008 06:21 PM


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A candlelight vigil will be held tonight outside Barksdale Air Force Base's North Gate in memory of the crew of the B-52 that crashed off the coast of Guam.

Five airmen from Barksdale and the vice-commander of the medical group at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam were killed in the crash.

The candlelight vigil will begin at 8:30 p.m.

A memorial for people to place cards, ribbons and flowers has also been set up outside the North Gate.

The B-52 crashed Sunday night, Barksdale time, as the pilot was preparing to do a flyover for a parade on Guam. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The Air Force has not said if the crew indicated they were in trouble.

Search teams have recovered two bodies and other remains.
Killed were Maj. Christopher Cooper, 33, a native of Austin, Texas, and the aircraft commander; Maj. Brent Williams, 37, of Norman, Okla., an instructor navigator; Capt. Michael Dodson, 31, the co-pilot; 1st Lt. Joshua Shepherd, 26, the navigator; and 1st Lt. Robert Gerren, 32, of Gladwin, Mich., the electronic warfare officer.

Also on board was Col. George Martin, an Air Force physician who was deputy commander of the medical group at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam.

The B-52 crew was in Guam as part of the United States continuing bomber presence in the Pacific.

The 8th Air Force Museum at Barksdale has created a memorial to remember the crew. It opened at 9:30 a.m. today. Anyone wishing to express condolences can visit the museum and sign a remembrance book. The museum is accessible through the North Gate at Barksdale.

The memorial also consists of framed photographs of the crew members, six pairs of flight boots and six flight helmets. It will remain at the museum for the next 30 days, Barksdale said.

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