Not forgotten
Hundreds gather for emotional Memorial Day

ABOVE: New Mexico state representative Patty Lundstrom struggles to regain her composure Monday while reading a plaque in recognition of Tim Smith, rightm Gallup's last survivor of the Bataab Death March. The city of Gallup and McKinley County hosted a Memorial day celebration downtown, which included a parade and a free barbeque lunch. BELOW: Sgt. 1st class Silver Delao, a VFW member, plays Taps during a graveside ceremony honoring fallen soldiers Monday at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Gallup. [photos by Jeff Jones / Independent]

By Karen Francis
Staff writer

GALLUP — It was an emotional day as hundreds got together for the Gallup-McKinley County Veterans Memorial Celebration on Monday. Two fallen warriors from the Gallup area were remembered for giving their lives in service of their country.

Gallup Mayor Harry Mendoza read aloud proclamations commending Senior Airman Jason Dean Cunningham and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Johnson for their courage and ultimate sacrifice.

Tom Payton, commander of American Legion Post 8, spoke about the sacrifices of the two men.

“Jason Dean Cunningham was killed in action in Afghanistan March 4, 2002, in a ground battle after his Chinook helicopter was shot down,” Payton said.

Cunningham was a pararescue jumper whose job was to go behind enemy lines into combat areas to rescue downed pilots and other American soldiers, Payton said. He added that Cunningham posthumously received the Air Force Cross, the second-highest medal awarded for heroism in combat, at a ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base.

According to the citation accompanying the Air Force Cross, Cunningham remained in the burning fuselage of the aircraft to treat wounded patients. As mortar rounds impacted within 50 feet of him, he disregarded the extreme danger and exposed himself to enemy fire on seven occasions. Even after being mortally wounded, Cunningham “continued to direct patient movement and transferred care to another medic. His efforts led to the successful delivery of ten gravely wounded Americans to life-saving medical treatment.”

Payton gave Cunningham’s parents, who were in attendance, a plaque honoring their son and said, “This plaque is a small reminder that your son’s name will live on in the city of Gallup as a true American hero.”

“He was just fun loving. He loved doing the job he was doing and enjoyed every day of life,” Red Cunningham said about his son.

Cunningham’s parents called the people in the area “the most patriotic” they have ever seen.

“We’ve been all over the United States, and still this area is the most patriotic,” Red Cunningham said.

Red noted that while everyone was observing Memorial Day on Monday, every day was Memorial Day for him and his wife Jackie.

Jackie said that if her son had it to do over again, he would still join the military.

“Freedom is not free,” she said.

Though Johnson’s family was unable to attend the ceremony, he was recognized during Monday’s ceremony as well.

“Buried east of Gallup in the Rehoboth cemetery is another hero who gave his life for his country on Aug. 14, 2007, in Iraq ,” Payton said. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Christopher C. Johnson died when the Chinook he was flying crashed. A former green beret who became a helicopter pilot, Johnson was in Iraq less than a month when his helicopter crashed, he said.

“At his funeral, his best friend spoke about how he accepted the dangers of military life and how he was proud to risk his life serving America . His best friend said that Chris died so that we can be free,” Payton said.

State Rep. Patricia Lundstrom recognized Tim Smith, Gallup’s last survivor of the Bataan Death March.

Smith became emotional upon remembering his comrades who did not make it back.

“I’m grateful that I’m here but I lost all my good friends,” he said. “I lost all my best friends.”

He said that it was a day to remember those friends he lost.

“We survived. We took care of each other. That’s what got us through,” he said.

His wife added that it was Smith’s faith in God that also helped him to survive.

The day’s activities started with a memorial ceremony at Hillcrest Ceremony at 9 a.m.

At 10 a.m. spectators, many waving American flags, lined up along Aztec Avenue to watch parade entries in honor of Memorial Day. The parade, which was sponsored by the chamber of commerce, featured veterans, classic cars, and children on bikes.

Some noted that the Memorial Day activities are getting larger each year.

“It’s getting better and better,” Nancy Olguin said as she watched the parade. Her favorite entry was the motorcycle riders.

Michelle “Shelby” Dennison also said her favorite entry was the motorcycle riders.

“I enjoy watching what’s going on and what they’re doing,” she said. “I’m here just to get into the activities for our veterans — the ones that didn’t come back and the ones who did come back,” she added.

Following the parade, the Gallup/McKinley Veterans Committee held the Memorial Day celebration at Courthouse Square. The emcee was committee chair Joe Zecca. Dennis Gardner gave the invocation and the Gallup Fire Department posted colors. Bill Martinez of American Legion Post 8 recited the pledge of allegiance and Patrick Moore sang the national anthem.