When we lose one of our own Published Dec. 27, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- When a unit loses a valued member the effect is felt all across the base. The unit must continue on with the mission without her by their side. Senior Airman Jessica Nowell, 94th Security Forces specialist, 24, was laid to rest with military honors Oct. 26. The Athens, Ga. native recently graduated from Savannah State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and had her whole life ahead of her when she was fatally shot while off-duty, Oct. 22, a victim of domestic violence. Members of the 94th Security Forces Squadron gathered during the November Unit Training Assembly to remember and celebrate Nowell's life as well as comfort each other in her death. "As your commander, I am supposed to have the answers to things," said Martz. "I don't have the answer to this tragedy, but I do know this for sure: Jessica had faith in our Lord, and she is in a better place. She's probably smiling down at us right now." Nowell enlisted in the Air Force in 2010. She is credited with excelling at Basic Military Training as well as the security forces academy. A picture is now displayed in the SFS building of Nowell proud of her security force beret and badge. "They don't prepare you for this at Airman Leadership School," said Tech Sgt. Daunte Saloy, 94th SFS specialist. "As her supervisor, Jessica was too sweet. Luckily, she was always one step ahead of me and was extremely proactive. " Nowell planned to attend law school and recently moved back to her Athens home to transition into a leadership position in her civilian company. She was preparing for ALS, and increased responsibilities within her squadron. "Jessica will forever be a Road Dawg and an honored member of the 94th SFS," said Martz. "We are better for having had her here. She honored us with her service. We will honor her with our service."
