RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The RAF Mildenhall Professional Development Center was renamed after retired master sergeant and former 351st Bomb Squadron crew chief, 100th Bombardment Group and World War II veteran Dewey R. Christopher June 21, 2019.
The base was honored to have Dewey attend the ceremony as guest of honor, along with his son Gary.
The World War II veteran and former maintenance crew chief is also a Bronze Star recipient. He earned the medal for having more than 60 missions without any discrepancies on his airplane, a B-17 Flying Fortress named Skipper II, enabling it to gain an outstanding record in combat.
“You were there when our nation needed you most; you were there giving your all to ensure the 100th Bomb Group – the famed ‘Bloody Hundredth’ – had the highest probability of success; not by chance, but because you were going to deliver the absolute best maintained aircraft to those brave aviators … your brothers in arms,” remarked Col. Troy Pananon, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, at the ceremony.
The 100th ARW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Rogers, came up with the idea to rename the PDC after Dewey. Other facilities on RAF Mildenhall have been renamed after officers from the 100th BG, and Rogers made it her personal goal to enhance heritage for enlisted members.
“We had an opportunity to name it probably after someone we were all familiar with, but I wanted to share somebody’s story that we’re not familiar with, that we should be,” said Rogers.
The command chief worked with the 100th ARW historian to provide names associated with the Bloody Hundredth’s history, and Dewey was top of the list. The chief added that reading his story, she immediately knew Dewey was someone special.
The 100th BG veteran shared how he had loved his job, and always strived to do the best he knew how.
“My favorite part about being a crew chief and maintainer was having the satisfaction of knowing I was giving my crew the best airplane I possibly could,” remarked Dewey. “You don’t compromise when working on airplanes – you can’t just pull over on the side of the road and raise the hood when you’re up in the air!”
Pananon echoed these sentiments, stating to the crowd that Dewey’s main concern was doing everything possible to ensure his crew and airplane returned home safely.
“You diligently inspected your B-17, doing everything possible to keep that aircraft running in top order. You didn’t focus on the ‘what-if’s,’ but instead poured every ounce of your effort into giving your crew the best chances of survival,” said the 100th ARW commander. “That is the definition of professionalism, You, my friend, are a warrior and Airman’s Airman.”
Dewey described how he was very humbled and honored to have the professional development center named after him.
“I’m the only one left now, and it would please all of my old buddies to know you’re doing this,” the 100th BG veteran said.
At the PDC renaming ceremony, Rogers emphasized Dewey’s legacy would inspire future generations of 100th ARW Airmen.
“Master Sgt. Christopher, it is because of your dedication that we proudly wear the ‘Square D.’ We are reminded of the heroes who walked before us every time we put on our uniforms. We are reminded of the proud heritage of your generation, flying tirelessly through one air campaign to another. The brave actions of our veterans translates to the brutal pages of our nation’s history, but we must all continue to honor their sacrifices and strengthen their legacy.
“This dedication and renaming of our professional development center is one small way for us to do just that – by connecting today’s Airmen with yesterday’s heroes,” said Rogers.