820th RED HORSE Squadron, Nellis remember fallen Airman Published Aug. 22, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Jen Richard Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A Nellis Airman, who died Aug. 16 from injuries sustained in an off-duty motorcycle accident, was honored in a ceremony at the Nellis Base Chapel Aug. 20. The late Staff Sgt. Cody G. Herring, 820th RED HORSE Squadron special capabilities instructor, was injured in a traffic collision at approximately 11:20 a.m., Aug. 16, on Craig Road, and died later that day at University Medical Center. More than 300 Airmen, friends and family, including many members of the 820th RED HORSE Squadron, attended the service to honor Sergeant Herring. "We pause today to mourn and celebrate the life of Cody Herring," said Chaplain Nakagawa, 99th Air Base Wing chaplain. "We lament a life cut short," said the chaplain. However, "Cody lived a full life despite its brevity. He lived hard, he loved hard, he worked hard, he played hard." Col. Wilfred Cassidy, 820th RED HORSE Squadron commander, praised Sergeant Herring's positive attitude and his devotion to the RED HORSE team. Sergeant Herring epitomized the 820th RED HORSE Squadron's motto of "lead, follow or get the hell out of the way," said Colonel Cassidy. He was good at following, he knew how to lead and he never had to be told to get out of the way. Friends and coworkers shared their personal reflections about the Ennis, Montana native, remembering things like Sergeant Herring's positive outlook and his love of family, friends, poker, bikes and more. "Personally, I couldn't find the words to describe Cody," said Master Sgt. Dennis Rellins, Airfields C flight chief, 820th RED HORSE Squadron. "Whenever you were around him, it was always a happy time, a good time." "He darn well better be saving me a ride in the sky when I get there," said Sergeant Rellins, in reference to Sergeant Herring's love of bikes. Tech Sgt. Brandon Lancaster, non-commissioned officer in charge of explosive demolition, 820th RED HORSE Squadron, said Cody was the "glue" that kept the RED HORSE "family" together and strong. "He would always help when you'd ask, and smile," said Sergeant Lancaster. "If you ever asked him how he was doing, he'd reply 'radical.'" Tech Sgt. David Famiglietti, pavements and heavy equipment operator, 820th RED HORSE Squadron, while reading a letter he wrote to Sergeant Herring, said "I'm here for you brother, and I'll always be by your side." Sergeant Herring was posthumously awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Service for meritorious service in the 820th RED HORSE Squadron here. The Nellis Honor Guard paid tribute to Sergeant Herring with a ceremonial flag-folding, a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps." Sergeant Herring is survived by his wife, Ashleigh Herring; father, Joe Herring; step-father, John Holland; sister, Danielle Holland; sister, Joanna Miller; brother, Shelby Uehling and brother, Joe Herring, Jr..
