CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
A 14th Airlift Squadron Airman passed away September 21 after being involved in a fatal motorcycle accident off base.
"Airman 1st Class Michael Thompkins was a very easy-going guy," said Airman 1st Class Frank Quezada, Mike's roommate. "He loved talking about and working on his car and his motorcycle all the time. He was a great person and friend ... he will be missed."
Airman Thompkins flew 257 combat sorties, airlifted more than 8 million pounds of war-critical cargo and transported more than 5,000 coalition troops as part of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was a loadmaster who left a positive impression with many people at Charleston AFB, according to coworkers.
"Mike always had a smile on his face, no matter how mad he was," said Master Sgt. Justin Strain, 14 AS acting first sergeant. "He was very proud of being from St. Louis and his family. He always spoke of his family, especially his little brother. He loved telling stories of his little brother."
"This is a sad day when Team Charleston loses one of its own," said Chief Master Sgt. Bernise Belcer, 437th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant. "We take this moment to reflect on the contributions Airman Thompkins made. His fellow pelican teammates will remember him and the footprints he made in pelican history."
Airman Thompkins was in the Air Force for three years and was stationed at Charleston AFB since December 2005. He was proud of his accomplishments, he was proud of his family and he was proud of our country. He was due to be promoted to senior Airman in the near future.
"He was very good with electronics and unbeatable at Halo," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Rogers, 14 AS loadmaster. "He was a great guy; he was too young to go ... he is missed."
A memorial service for Airman Thompkins was held today in the base chapel.