CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
A fatal motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Navy Consolidated Brig security forces Airman Nov. 9 on Dorchester Road near Charleston AFB.
Staff Sgt. Justin Coleman, control center supervisor, Detachment 3, Headquarters Air Force Security Forces Center, NAVCONBRIG, Charleston, leaves behind his wife, daughter and parents.
"It was impossible to dislike Justin," Master Sgt. Curtis Newkirk, NCOIC of training and quality control, HQAFSC, NAVCONBRIG. "He was a loving husband and father. Justin was a quiet man, but smiled easily. Justin led by example in demeanor and professionalism."
During his two years at the brig, Sergeant Coleman earned several honors such as "watch stander" of the month. But more importantly, he contributed to the Brig earning a nationally unprecedented sixth straight perfect accreditation score, Sergeant Newkirk said.
"He was a consummate professional at work," Army Staff Sgt. Brian Steele, NAVCONBRIG watch section supervisor, said. "[Sergeant Coleman] was a quiet, professional noncommissioned officer ... he was extremely productive."
"We affectionally called him 'gently giant ... he was very religious and soft spoken," said Navy Command Master Chief John Cooper, NAVCONBRIG. "For him to run the control room required a lot of trust position and, because of this, the chain of command respected his abilities," he said.
"The younger servicemembers didn't even know him, and they won't even get to meet him now," Master Chief Cooper said.
According to Master Chief Cooper, Sergeant Coleman graduation from the Charleston Air Force Base Airmen Leadership School in October 2006 showed the Airman he had become.
"I'll never forget the sense of pride Mrs. Coleman displayed as we sat together to watch then Senior Airman Coleman walk across the stage during the ALS graduation at the Charleston Club," Master Chief Cooper said. "She said she witnessed his professionalism and maturity as a member of the Brig team and she thanked us for having such a good command for her husband to work with."
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Nov 30 at the base chapel.