Photo By Staff Sgt. Ashley Tsoi | Raymond Estelle III, leads a formation run during the 7th Annual Estelle 5K run at...... read more read more
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Team MacDill members paid tribute to Maj. Raymond Estelle, a former 6th Communications Squadron chief of maintenance, by participating in the 6th annual 5K run and weightlifting competition here, Jan. 31, 2020.
“I think our Air Force creed sums him up best- wingman, leader, warrior,” reflected Lt. Col. N’Keiba Estelle, 6th CS commander, when asked about her husband. “He was always willing to help fix a problem, to listen to you and always willing to bring a smile to everybody’s face, whether that was dancing around the house or just helping out as a husband and father.”
In 2011, Maj. Raymond Estelle deployed as the communications advisor for the Afghanistan Air Force during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Shortly after his arrival, Estelle and eight others, were tragically killed during a shooting in an Afghanistan airport.
Estelle met her husband’s remains on the MacDill flightline, where 10 years before, they began their life together as husband and wife.
Today, Estelle is wrapping up the final year of her command with the 6th CS.
“It was very meaningful to come back to MacDill,” she said. “It feels like coming home. Being in this building makes you proud to have the name Estelle, it makes me want to do the best job I absolutely can.”
This year’s run and weightlifting competition will be the seventh year the 6th CS has hosted this event.
“Unit personnel and leadership at the time, felt this was the best way to recognize Ray and everything that he stood for as an Airman, especially since he was a huge physical fitness advocate,” said Estelle. “For me, this event represents all nine heroes who lost their lives and it allows us to take that time out of our day to pay tribute to them on a larger scale.”
This year, Shayla and Raymond Estelle accompanied their mother on her final run as commander and witnessed the influence left by their father.
“It was amazing to see everyone out here running to remember my dad,” Shayla said. “I’m so proud to see the impact he has on people to this day.”
Every day, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Guardsmen and civilians travel across the world securing the safety and freedom of America and its allies. Sometimes they leave for days and sometimes for months at a time. No matter the time away, it is important to always remember them and those who have fallen.
“It is an honor to participate in the annual event and remember Maj. Estelle,” said Senior Airman Jennifer Mackey Acosta, 6th CS Airman. “Working under Lt. Col. Estelle’s command has been nothing short of amazing. She is passionate about the Air Force and has a genuine concern for each one of us. We will miss her but will undoubtedly carry on her and her husband’s legacy with pride.”
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2020 14:30 |
| Story ID: | 362430 |
| Location: | TAMPA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Tribute to fallen: 6th CS hosts 7th annual run, by SSgt Ashley Tsoi, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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