Kirtland honors NCO

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th ABW/PA
Kirtland Air Force Base --  A Kirtland Air Force Base street was renamed from "F-Avenue" to "Frost Avenue" in honor of Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost during a ceremony in front of the Airman Leadership School here Wednesday.
Sergeant Frost died March 3, 2008, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when the helicopter he was flying in crashed.
The ceremony coincided with Sergeant Frost's birthday. He would have been 28. Sergeant Frost had been assigned to the 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office since 2005.
Sergeant Frost was from Waukesha, Wis. and joined the Air Force in February 2002. His brother, John Frost, who attended the ceremony, served in the Air Force and recruited him.
"I got to see him grow up to become the man he was," said Mr. Frost. "Today, he is leaving his mark on Kirtland Air Force Base."
Approximately 150 servicemembers and civilians attended the ceremony, as well as Sergeant Frost's father, Garry, who thanked Team Kirtland on behalf of Sergeant Frost's mother and two children.
"I would like to thank all of you for the privilege of being here," said Mr. Frost. "I can't think of a better way to honor him."
Mr. Frost added that his son was passionate and dedicated to the Air Force.
"He loved the Air Force and planned on staying in," said Mr. Frost. "This dedication lets him continue to serve for years to come."
Sergeant Frost's father was named an honorary John L. Levitow Award recipient, which Sergeant Frost was awarded five years ago. The Levitow Award is presented to the top professional military education graduate of Airman Leadership Schools.
During the ceremony, Col. Robert Maness, 377th Air Base Wing commander, presented the Frost family with a scaled replica of the street sign bearing Sergeant Frost's name.
"Sergeant Frost exemplified the highest standards," said Colonel Maness. "Today's dedication is just a small token of Team Kirtland's appreciation for Chris' service and sacrifice."
Sergeant Frost was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and an Air Force Commendation Medal. His other awards and decorations include an Air Force Achievement Medal and the Kirtland Airman Leadership School Outstanding Leadership Award.
The Staff Sergeant Christopher S. Frost Outstanding Communication Noncommissioned Officer Award, given annually to outstanding public affairs NCOs, is also named in his honor.