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In memory: 'Cops' dedicate win to fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When members of the 436th Security Forces Squadron's softball squad took to the field for the base championship-deciding game Aug. 24, they were playing for more than just bragging rights. They were playing for a friend.

Senior Airman Jason Stevens, a member of the 436th SFS, lost his life in a car crash while on leave Aug. 2.

"Softball was a big part of Jason's life, and our main focus became winning - no matter what," said Rick Barker, a SFS team member. "As our camaraderie strengthened, we were determined to win the final game for him."

Barker said playing softball and baseball were a large part of Stevens' life, so much so that his high school baseball coach even came to speak at the memorial service Aug. 10.

"I also played softball on and off base four nights a week with Jason," said Barker. "He was an awesome player and lead batter."

Just before the start of the game, Matt Rotuno, SFS coach, shared his hopes for victory.

"I believe we'll win. I have faith that Jason will guide us to the base championship," he said.

Before the game began, the Cops jogged together towards the left field with the #9 jersey belonging to their fallen teammate and pinned it to the fence, as though he was really there to watch the game, even after his death.

"The nine was important to Jason because that was his number all throughout his years of playing softball," Barker said.

After their victory, the Cops huddled together, knelt with their heads bowed, and prayed.

Barker said he felt his team had the will and reason to win because they knew how much softball meant to Jason and that he was out there helping the team in some way.

"At the end of every game, our team's ritual is to kick dirt onto the pitcher's mound and etch the word 'Cops' on it," Barker said. "This year, we engraved, 'Jason #9."

He went on to explain that the jersey will continue to hold significane for the Cops.

"No one will ever be able to wear the #9 jersey for the SFS softball team because the jersey will be retired in a display case at our squadron," Barker said.