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20th FSS NCO remembered

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Earon Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Family, friends and colleagues from Shaw AFB and the Sumter community gathered together here to honor the life of Tech. Sgt. Otis Starks, III at the Palmetto Chapel, Nov. 7.

The pews were lined with those who had known Starks and had come to pay their respects. The service began at 1 p.m. Wednesday and was presided over by Chaplain (Capt.) Katherine Scott, 20th Fighter Wing chaplain. The ceremony featured hymns performed by John F. Kennedy, 20th Force Support Squadron school liaison, scripture readings and prayers from volunteers, and words of remembrance from Lt. Col. Dalian Washington, 20th FSS commander.

"Today we are here, unexpectedly, as an Air Force family, to honor the memory of Tech. Sgt. Otis Haston Starks, III," said Washington. "Tech. Sgt. Starks death was shocking, sudden and saddening. We all within FSS can vividly remember conversations just a few days ago, sharing a laugh with him over a meal, even working side by side with Tech. Sgt. Starks as he ensured the mission was being accomplished."

During the length of his career, Starks major decorations include: the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal. A number of these decorations were earned between November 1999 and October 2009, during which time Starks deployed on six different occasions in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

"He was a mentor to many within the Force Support Squadron," said Washington. "Tech. Sgt. Starks knew his job. He was good at his job and he was confident, and he displayed that on a daily basis."

According to one of Starks enlisted performance reports, "Tech. Sgt. Starks was a proven performer and handled all challenges with ease and proficiency. Overall, he was an admirable volunteer with outstanding leadership and management skills."

Starks was a native of Columbia. He enlisted in the Air Force Jan. 6, 1999 and spent the following 13 years at Shaw. During that time, he worked in lodging, food services, the fitness center, and most recently the readiness section.

"I ask that we use this moment and the days ahead to celebrate his memory and his life," concluded Washington. "I ask that we celebrate the positive contributions that Tech. Sgt. Starks, Otis Haston, 'O' made in our lives and the lives of others."