What's in a name? Langley dormitories named to honor Airmen from the past

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson
  • 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  These are a few of the names emblazoned on the outer walls of Langley Air Force Base's Airman dormitories, which house a considerable number of the installation's junior enlisted Airmen.

But who are these people, any why are their names plastered on dorm buildings?

The dormitories are named in honor of Airmen with records of exemplary and honorable service. The Air Force's memorialization program provides lasting honor and pays tribute to AF military and civilian personnel, deceased or living.

When submitting a package to the memorialization program, naming considerations include individuals who displayed heroism at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, for performing highly responsible duties in an outstanding manner, and/or making major contributions to the development or mission.

When naming real estate, only Airmen, Department of the AF civilians, and private sector citizens are considered. Individuals who were assigned to an air component of the United States Army before the AF became a separate entity are also eligible for memorialization honors.

Once in effect, the renaming of any installation, street, building or facility is forbidden as long as the installation remains active, except under unique circumstances.

"It is quite a process to change the name of a street or building after it has been memorialized," said Amy Russell, Air Combat Command historian.

While several of the dorm buildings on Langley pay tribute to Airmen who served here, Russel said a few buildings bear the names of highly influential, trailblazing individuals. For example, Airey, Barnes, Cunningham, nor Pitsenbarger served here.

Airey Hall
Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey served as an aerial gunner on B-24 bombers during World War II. Forced to bail out of his aircraft, he was captured and became a prisoner of war in Germany from July 1944 to May 1945.

Barnes Hall
Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Barnes served as flight engineer and hydraulics specialist on a litany of Air Force aircraft types including the B-25, T-11, C-45 and C-47 and as a B-52 crew chief, flight chief and senior controller.

Cunningham Hall
Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, an Air Force pararesueman, was awarded the Air Force Cross because of his actions during the battle of Takur Ghar, a high mountain located in the Arma Mountains of southeastern Afghanistan, March 4, 2002. While administering an IV to a wounded aircrew member inside a downed CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Cunningham was wounded and died of his wounds while waiting for medical evacuation.

Eberflus Hall
During his tenure at Langley, Tech. Sgt. Robert Eberflus and his crew accepted responsibility for the appearance and maintenance of two T-39s, numbers 4496, also known as "Nine-Six," and 4465. On April 20, 1985, the brakes on "Nine-Six" failed and it ran off the end of the runway at Wilkes-Barre Airport, Penn., killing Eberflus.

Jordan Hall
Chief Master Sgt. Donald Melton Jordan learned shortly after assuming his duties with the 1st Security Police Squadron at Langley AFB he had terminal bone cancer. He retired in September 1983, and died just weeks later on Oct. 7.

Olsavsky Hall
Airman David J. Olsavsky served with the 1st Fighter Wing as a non-destructive inspection specialist. Olsavsky entered the military in October 1988. Olsavsky arrived at Langley AFB and the 1st FW in March 1989 after finishing technical school and was assigned to the wing's non-destructive inspection laboratory. He passed away in August of 1989.

Pitsenbarger Hall
Staff Sgt. William Pitsenbarger flew almost 300 rescue missions in Vietnam; he risked his life during the war to rescue downed soldiers and fliers. On April 11, 1966, the 21-year-old, known as "Pits" to his friends, was killed while defending some of his wounded comrades. For his bravery and sacrifice, he received the Air Force Cross. In 2000, his medal was upgraded to the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Renna Hall
Sgt. Richard Renna enlisted in the Air Force on April 26, 1986 and attended technical training at Chanute AFB, Ill. Assigned to 1913th Communications Group in May 1987, Renna became a model Airman. He headed the 1st Communications Squadron self-help facility improvement team. In his free time, he volunteered as a police officer in Poquoson, Va., as well as a member of the Buckroe Beach volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Simpson Hall
Airman 1st Class Michael Simpson was assigned to the 1913th Communications Group at Langley. Simpson was killed in an automobile accident Feb. 3, 1984. According to Special Order G-54, Airman Simpson had an "outstand¬ing record of performance on behalf of the United States Air F¬orce."

Tunnell Hall
Sgt. Rodney L. Tunnell he worked as a separations clerk and reenlistment clerk for more than three years in Langley's Consolidated Base Personnel Office. Following a 7-month bout with cancer, Tunnell died Aug. 4, 1983.

Williams Hall
The namesake of Langley's newest dormitory, Staff Sgt. Dale Williams was originally assigned to the 1st Component Repair Squadron at Langley and later moved to the 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Williams lost his life in a motorcycle accident March 2, 1985. He was 25 years old.