Memorial Honors Reserve Sergeant
Submitted by N.O.V.A. July 2005
Times Picayune 	12-21-1997


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Federal and local government officials joined members of the Air Force Reserve to
honor Technical Sgt. Richard M. Turner Dec. 13 at a memorial service at Our Lady
of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Belle Chasse.

With the theme, "Gone, but not forgotten," members of the 926th Fighter Wing took
time to honor their fellow airman who was the victim of a carjacking. The 42-year-
old was killed three blocks from his home Oct. 19 when an assailant shot him in
the neck.

"When I think about how this airman died in my city, I want to hang my head in
shame," said Frank Uddo, Greater New Orleans Mayor's Military Advisory Committee
chairman. "But when I think of what a great man and member of the armed forces
Sgt. Turner was, I want to hold my head up. We are honoring a great man."

Uddo presented Turner's family with a plaque commemorating his years of service
and dedication.

"This event will either make us stronger or have a lasting negative effect on the
entire wing. There is no middle ground," said Col. Bob Lytle, 926th Fighter Wing
commander. "I choose not to allow this event to make me cynical. I choose to
confront the problem and that element of society that can no longer be tolerated.
That is my charge."

After the ceremony at the church, Turner's family was invited back to the Naval
Air Station-Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse to share in the wing's holiday
celebration and to take part in a special presentation to Turner's sons, Richard
Jr. and Christopher.

For his service to country, Turner received a military funeral with full honors,
which included the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute.

He is survived by his wife, Cassandra Scott Turner, his sons, and his mother,
Bronetta Turner.

Maj. Tom Deall is a public affairs officer for the Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve
Base in Belle Chasse. He welcomes comments and contributions. He can be reached at
678-3493.