Remembering SSgt Tedd Adair

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Levin Boland
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  More than 150 Airmen and their families filled the base chapel during a memorial service for a member of the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron May 19, 2014.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tedd Adair passed away May 10 after a difficult fight with cancer. Adair is survived by his father Jack, mother Deborah, brother Todd, sister Kerri, son Wyatt, daughter Trinity and grandparents Franklin and Clarice Dew.

During the memorial service, friends of Adair spoke about his life, legacy and career in the U.S. Air Force.

"We are here today to celebrate the life and faith of [Staff] Sgt. Adair," said U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Bedemoore Udechukwu. "He was a person who was strong, who had faith and who trusted in God."

Adair was also posthumously awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal during the memorial service. Adair's mother, Deborah, received the medal on his behalf.

Continuing his military service, Adair stayed strong throughout his treatment to take care of his children and uphold the mission. According to a fellow coworker, Adair always did his best to not let the hardship affect him or his career.

"I appreciate the opportunity to serve with such a great Airman," said retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Osborne Richardson, who worked closely with Adair during his treatment. "Sometimes it's not about the quantity of time we had; it's about the quality. So from one old Airman to a young one going home, he made me a better person."

Throughout Adair's military service, he earned multiple awards and was continuously recognized by his subordinates, peers and leadership for being an honest, hardworking Airman who just wanted to help and contribute to the mission.

"Everything that [Staff] Sgt. Adair taught us was invaluable," said one of Adair's subordinates. "He was really cool. He was always trying to help us, take care of us and he was always there for us."

Adair was a vital part of the 97th Air Mobility Wing and his presence will be missed by family, friends and coworkers.

"I'll remember Adair for always being prepared, always having a plan and always being optimistic," said Richardson. "Regardless of the situation, if you do your research, prepare, be practical and be positive, you ought to be able to be at peace with whatever the consequences are. So I stand here to tell you today that I truly believe that Sgt. Adair is in peace."