Photo By Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashlyn Carter, 316th Security Force Squadron flight...... read more read more
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Airmen in crisp uniforms stand at attention in a sea of dark blue berets, as his name echoed three times through the hangar:
“Staff Sergeant Behzadi.”
“Staff Sergeant Behzadi.”
“Staff Sergeant Bailey Behzadi.”
There is silence, no answer to the call—as Behzadi’s unit, family, and friends mourn a life taken too soon.
Staff Sgt. Bailey Behzadi, 27, was honored at a memorial here, Oct. 21, 2024, by the 316th Security Forces Squadron-- just a day shy of what would have been a graduation ceremony for a new career in the Office of Special Investigations. More than 200 people gathered to honor Bailey’s life and impact, and to remember what they loved about him.
Born April 18, 1997, in Los Angeles, Bailey's journey to service began early. He was deeply influenced by his family and came from a legacy of service: his grandfather was a retired police officer and a Royal Marine reservist. He enlisted in 2017 as a security forces specialist in the U.S. Air Force—and six months later, his brother also joined the service.
Beyond his family’s influence, Bailey was drawn to the camaraderie and belonging the military offered.
“Bailey didn’t have a mean bone in his body,” shared Keith Fenner, his grandfather, recalling how he was a good listener at a young age. Even as a child, Bailey was protective of others, often making sure his younger sister wasn’t teased. Even his first name means ‘protection,’ a fortress wall to keep others safe.
That innate compassion was something his unit remembers, too.
“He was a leader and mentor, someone I could go to for anything,” said Senior Airman Roman Buentipo, who worked closely with Bailey in the 316th SFS.
“He always had my back,” said his coworker Senior Airman Juwan Gray, reflecting on how Bailey supported him after a challenging career event. “He pushed me to keep studying and persevere.”
“He was always there for me,” said Tech. Sgt. Cory Daughtry, a family friend who describes a time when he returned from deployment on short notice for the birth of his son. “Bailey was who I called and asked for help, and his exact response was, ‘It would be an honor to get you to your son.’”
Colleagues remember how he’d enter a room and the entire mood would change for the better; he was full of laughter, and always ready with a joke. But Bailey was also a professional, through and through; fellow Defenders in the 316th SFS also described him as a cornerstone of the unit. He always took the time to check in on others, and constantly advocated for change that would improve the team and the unit.
“[He] loved his family and unit, the dedication he showed every day was a true reflection of his resolve in making everyone around him better than they were the day before,” said Master Sgt. George Henry, Bailey’s prior flight chief.
Before serving in the 316th SFS, he was stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., where he invested in his relationship with his grandparents, who are natives of England. It was also where he met his future wife, Luiza, and welcomed his daughter Elizabeth to the world. While stationed there, he also deployed to Diyarbakir Air Base, Turkey.
Following his assignment to Joint Base Andrews, he quickly became considered the “go-to patrolman,” according to Tech. Sgt. Justin Butler. But Bailey’s excellence wasn’t limited to security forces.
He was also selected to serve in the base Honor Guard, participating in military ceremonies across the East Coast. According to his grandfather, Bailey was most proud of his time here, because he was able to honor those who had served before him. He presented military honors at more than 90 veterans’ funerals.
“He knew what his purpose was,” Lt. Col. Tim Marriner, his squadron commander, shared at the ceremony. “He wanted to be a great law enforcement officer, a special agent, supervisor, leader, Defender, brother, son, and husband. That is the pinnacle of who Bailey was: he led his life with purpose.”
Bailey applied and was selected for the competitive Office of Special Investigations career field, a rigorous process that he tackled with the professionalism and skill he was known for. He was excited to begin training, eager to uphold justice, and serve in a different capacity.
Tragically, just as he dove into this new chapter, Bailey lost his life in September 2024 in a fatal accident. His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be interred with military honors.
Survived by his family, friends, and his Air Force community, Bailey will be remembered for his infectious positivity, his dedication to people, and his commitment to excellence.
“This loss has hit us hard, but knowing Behzadi, he would want us to all be there for each other and his family and celebrate his life,” said fellow Defender Staff Sgt. Eva Angus, a sentiment that is echoed by his many colleagues and friends.
Though Bailey Behzadi has reached the end of his watch, his life of service and compassion will never be forgotten—and his legacy will live on in those who knew and cherished him.
“Bailey may be gone, but who he was will remain,” Daughtry said at the memorial service. “We will never forget what he meant to this world.”
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2024 11:24 |
| Story ID: | 485897 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 1,911 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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