Hurlburt Field honors fallen comrade

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden
  • 16th SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone," played in the background during the funeral service for Tech. Sgt. Earnest "Rock" Rockamore June 29, at the base chapel. As the music played, a myriad of pictures scrolled across a projection screen displaying his life, military career and family.

The memorial service came as a somber conclusion to the June 16 fishing accident that claimed the life of Sergeant Rockamore, a firefighter with the 16th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Firefighters from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field and surrounding counties were present to honor their fallen comrade.

"It's with a heavy heart that I stand before you today," said Lt. Col. Douglas Hardman, 16th CES commander. "Sergeant Rockamore was a son, husband, father and brother. He loved being a firefighter and was an integral part of our squadron. I know he loved fishing and firefighting, but he loved his family much, much more. It's difficult to lose a military member, especially when he saves the lives of others. It's even more difficult to lose an immediate family member. To his family, know that he is in our hearts."

As "Taps" finished playing, the honor guard presented a folded flag to his wife, while tears streamed down the faces of those in attendance. A silver bell was rung three times, a 40-year-old firefighter tradition, signifying that Sergeant Rockamore gave his life, completed his last task and was going home.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a fellow firefighter recited the Fireman's Prayer, a prayer that Sergeant Rockamore recited himself during the span of his 19-year career as a firefighter.

At exactly 9:49 a.m. a male's voice boomed over a single hand-held radio saying, "This is the last call for Tech. Sgt. Rockamore - taken upon his final ride home."

Sergeant Rockamore is survived by his wife, Shelly, and their children.