SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A white cross stood center-stage in the packed auditorium, adorned with a helmet on top, an M-16 rifle, combat boots and a set of dog tags. To the left, a green wreath speckled with yellow flowers. To the right, a picture of Airman 1st Class Christoffer P. Johnson overlooked the audience.

Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron held an open memorial at this desert base Feb. 21 for Airman Johnson, who died Feb. 17 in Southwest Asia. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

As servicemembers filled the theater, they watched a slide show with scenes of Airman Johnson's personal and professional life -- photos of Airman Johnson posing happily with friends and family, snapshots of him dressed in Service Dress and some candid pictures of him smiling while exploring new places.

In order to pay their respects, some servicemembers stood when seats were no longer available in the auditorium. The memorial service started when Capt. Mark Edelstien, a chaplain for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, gave the welcome and invocation. Security forces members then recited the Security Forces Prayer and a poem. Col. Paul Tibbets, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, then stepped onto the stage.

"I am personally grateful to Chris for being part of...the extremely small minority of Americans who volunteer to defend the freedoms we enjoy each and every day," Colonel Tibbets said. "Today we honor Chris for serving his country and answering the call of duty. We should never forget the courage of Chris to stand up for what is right and what is just. America is great because of people like Chris. America is free because of people like Chris. Americans can say and do virtually whatever they want because of the freedom they enjoy, because of people like Chris."

The commander's speech explained the bravery of serving one's country and the gallantry of wearing the uniform.

"Chris had courage to serve his country and defend freedom," Colonel Tibbets said. "He understood this possession was fleeting and he had a part to keep it alive."

Colonel Tibbets ensured that the audience knew that this memorial service was not about death, but about life and how valuable one life is to a community -- and how valuable Airman Johnson's life was to this desert community.

"Chris knew that he was part of something bigger than himself," Colonel Tibbets said. "It showed every time he put on his uniform. He loved life, and would want nothing other from us than to celebrate his life in these difficult times. Let us never forget how he lived. Let us never forget the times of laughter, the times we cried together, the times we had with him. Many of us are changed simply because we knew him."

After Colonel Tibbets' comments, Lt. Col. Marion Moxley, 379th ESFS commander, spoke to the crowd about Airman Johnson's tireless contributions.

"The time we Defenders spent with Chris will be cherished," Colonel Moxley said. "Chris was a true patriot and will be missed by his fellow Defenders and fellow Airmen."

The colonel continued, explaining Airman Johnson's dedication to his country and his service.

"He stepped up the day he joined security forces," Colonel Moxley said. "Chris loved being a Defender and making the difference. Whether posted as a mobile patrol on the flight line, controlling entry to priority assets, or as he was doing on the day of his tragic death, providing an internal response protecting the combined forces special operations command compound, Chris was out there. Vigilant and prepared to respond at a moment's notice to ensure mission accomplishment and other people's safety and security. Quite simply, Chris was getting the mission done. Keeping us secure. Doing what Defenders do."

Colonel Moxely's speech progressed into Airman Johnson's personal life, describing how his peers respected and loved him and reminding the audience that Airman Johnson played as hard as he worked -- embracing the fun in life.

"Chris' impact didn't stop at work," Colonel Moxley said. "He established himself as a terrific friend, peer, subordinate and leader. Chris was liked by those that knew him. They also saw his love for life often expressed in his enthusiasm for games. When they could break him away from playing 'Halo,' I understand he was the guy to challenge at the Ping Pong table. His enthusiasm was infectious, as he approached everything he faced as an adventure."

When Colonel Moxley finished her speech, security forces personnel performed the flag folding ceremony. They placed the flag at the bottom of the white cross in front of the boots. The security forces flight chief gave a final roll call, calling out the names of security forces members in Airman Johnson's flight. When Airman Johnson's name was called, there was no response.

"Ma'am, I regret to inform you that we are missing one Defender," the flight chief reported to Colonel Moxley. "Airman 1st Class Christoffer Johnson."

Airman 1st Class Ashle Phillips, 379th ESFS, then sang "Amazing Grace," followed by the playing of "Taps."

With the last note of the bugle and the chaplain's final prayer, a host of warriors and patriots at this desert air base said 'Farewell' to a departed brother, friend and Defender.