Memorial for fallen captain draws hundreds

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  A memorial service for Capt. Jenna Wilcox, who was killed in a vehicle-related accident April 1, was held at RAF Mildenhall April 7.

The ceremony was attended by hundreds of military members and civilians from RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath, as well as members of Captain Wilcox's family. Speeches and scripture readings were given by the captain's friends, family and coworkers amidst prayer and musical tributes.

Captain Wilcox, a member of the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, was fondly remembered for her cheerful demeanor and professional nature.

"Her life was full of purpose and promise," said Lt. Col. Matt Greene, 100th CES commander. Addressing Captain Wilcox's family, the colonel told them "Jenna's Air Force family joins you in honoring her life and mourning her loss."

Captain Wilcox's father, Peter Sielski, told the crowd of supporters how he didn't see Jenna as Captain Wilcox of the U.S. Air Force, but as his little girl.

"We have to remember not how Jenna died, but how she lived," he said, and then thanked the Air Force for "giving Jenna the opportunity to fulfill her dreams."

Captain Wilcox's cousin, who has been studying in Scotland, told the audience how she was a caring person, going above and beyond to help the children attending the schools she helped build in a recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Closing remarks, including condolences and reminders that the Air Force is not just a military organization but a family, were given by Col. Chad Manske, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander.

Captain Wilcox and her husband, Capt. Scott Wilcox, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, were in Scotland when a tire she was holding exploded March 27. She held on for five days in a hospital before succumbing to her injuries.

Captain Wilcox had recently returned from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan, where she survived a roadside bomb attack and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Frederick Viccellio, RAF Mildenhall chapel, said of all the things the Air Force does, supporting each other is "what we do best."

"It's always amazing to see how units come together in the face of tragedy to lift up those who need it," he said.