By Lt Col Eric Moran (USAF retired)
There are very few people who come into the USAF and impact so many in a dramatic fashion. The majority of us are just flickers of light during our careers. The few are consistent glows impacting so many. For those of us here today and the thousands throughout MSgt Siler’s career who had the privilege to serve this great nation with him, know all too well that Dennis was a consistent glow, a continually burning flame that provided comfort during difficult times, provided warmth when deployed in harms way and offered joy and laughter during the calm. This flame will never extinguish, never burn out, never falter for he has and will always live in our hearts as an inspiration, one to emulate and provide us strength that we are unaware of possessing during the terribly difficult days, weeks and months ahead.
Dennis was our radiant of hope when things didn’t go our way. A special friend who could share faith, muster a direct order, listen to our complaints, explain to an officer like me not only why I was wrong and making the worst decision of my career (which to Dennis I made often!) but offer solutions that would bring resolution and always insure his troops were protected. Dennis was a fierce warrior for those under his tutelage and displayed character that I dreamed of emulating. He was a master reader of emotion providing a big smile with a comforting face and an ear that could listen till the early morning hours. Dennis was and will continue to be a teacher/leader to us all for his thoughts and actions were pure. His was decisive and always correct.
We started our careers at the same time and probably crossed paths without knowing. I was flying out of Norton AFB and Dennis was in Sembach AB, Germany. I would transit the field not realizing that Dennis was on the ground securing the base, airfield and protecting our members and dependents.
This isn’t what Dennis wants me to talk about….but I will…I know he’s looking down at me right now, with his arms crossed, chest pumped out and giving me that look that a lot of us have seen. Yes at times…intimidating.
While at Sembach, his supervisors wrote:
“He is an absolute role model for other airmen to follow”
“AIC Siler gets things done”
AIC Siler is a classic example of a “fast burner”
“Constantly searches for military and personal self improvement. His appearance, bearing and behavior are above reproach”
Dennis avoided the limelight; his work ethic, desire for knowledge and care for others was genuine and honest.
He shunned personnel praise and always ensured that his accomplishments were transferred to his peers and subordinates. His accomplishments continued outside of the AF, not in uniform with a weapon on his side. Dennis was a consummate professional spending his down time coaching a youth baseball team for American Youth Activities or completing college courses. He was driven to accomplish community service and strived for higher education.
After a few years, the AF decided that Sgt Siler was ready to move. Off he went to Anderson AFB Guam. Surprisingly, I transited the airfield on a weekly basis not realizing that in a few years one of my greatest teachers was at arms grasp and we would be stationed together. Dennis continued to impact all those around him. Involved in Christmas drop for needy children, graduated with honors from NCO Leadership School and recipient of the Commandant’s trophy. An amazing accomplishment.
“SSgt Siler is truly top-notch”
“Supported the local community with clean up after super typhoon Russ”
“Assisted with the re-painting of the historic Agana Cathedral”
“Organized and supported the island-wide Special Olympics”
The theme is constant and crystal clear. MSgt Siler always put everyone in front of himself. His devotion to fellow man was equal, uniform or civilian, in need or plentiful. He loved all with a faith that was un-burnished.
His work was complete at Guam and the AF decided to move Dennis once again. This time to Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina. In fear of being repetitive, our beloved Dennis continued on the same course. Professional development, volunteer work, higher education and military accomplishments galore. After a short time, his recognition was so great that he was hand picked to the most prestigious position for Security Police in the AF. To provide security for Presidential Support Aircraft at Andrews AFB. You may have not known that he graduated from the FBI Sniper School, SWAT and Security Forces Trainer’s Supervisors Course. Dennis would never acknowledge his accomplishments, only others.
Albeit his time was short in North Carolina but I believe it was here that he developed the ability to slow his speech, develop a slight accent and hide the Mensa brilliance that God provided Dennis. It was here that our paths finally crossed and I am so blessed to have spent the last 10 years of our careers together. Dennis and I were on our first trip together supporting the Vice President. He was protecting the aircraft and the rest of the crew was on a long layover. I jumped in the car and decided to go check on my crew- member out at the airport. I approached the aircraft from the flight line and Dennis was standing by the front of the rental car parked in front of AF II. He didn’t recognize me immediately and politely turned a shoulder and placed his hand on the butt of his 9Mill. Note to self, don’t unexpectedly show up on America’s finest Security Police officers charged with protecting the President, Vice-President and Foreign Heads of State in an unmarked rental car at a high rate of speed! As I got out of the vehicle, Dennis and I spent the start of an incredible relationship. We shared faith, family and friends. The three most important things to Dennis. His amazingly strong relationship with our God and Savior, his incredible family and never-ending love and devotion for Tracey, Zach, Christian and Ellie, they’re church family, community family and Air Force family.
As I separate these families into 3 different groups (church, community and AF) it becomes apparent that I am misguided. I look out into the crowd and see the faces of many and we are all the same. We have a common bond that makes us so strong. We all believe deeply in Old Glory and all the promise she provides us and our future generations to come. This is what Dennis believed in. Devotion to duty, Service before self. Protection of our great nation. We all share and respect in the meaning of our Flag and hearts bleed for those who have defended our freedom and given the greatest sacrifice of all. Allowing the strength of Dennis’s belief in God and an eternity of peace resurrect your search for God and Faith if it is lacking. Assume Dennis’s actions and community service; never shy away from the poor, hungry and needy. If we could all see through the eyes of Dennis--that everyone was equal, everyone deserved affection, respect and love.
Believe in synergy where the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.
I now would like to read a few excerpts from great Americans who served side by side with Dennis over the years. As we affectionately call them, they were all Flying Guns. Our nation’s leaders slept well at night while traveling the darkest corners of the world knowing that these men and women stood vigilant 24 hours a day insuring that the American flag on the tail of our aircraft and bold print “United States of America” down the fuselage was sovereign US territory and the tip of the sword for our military might. When diplomacy failed and thankfully not often, the sword fell. These flying guns stood side by side with Dennis for countless years and will continue the tradition for years to come, ensuring the sound of freedom rings loud throughout the world.
Over the course of the past few days, all of us are suffering, confused and questioning this tragedy. Dear friends of Dennis’s, Jake Pullin and James Slawson have done so much for today and were able to compile a few excerpts from former flying guns. I now would like to read a few of their comments:
Donald Whitley
I miss the "debates" in a brotherly way we use to have back in the day. I mean Really Good debates/discussions. I learned something new every time. I wanted that back! He was a Good Man -- "principled." We called him Maximus. The intellectual warrior...he left an impression!
Jake Pullin & Gina Coonrod
What about the over-hand claps? You had Dennis with them "bigass" arms who looked like he was playing the piano by the time they were done with him. He hated that exercise! They were like..."you built them big arms...you wanted'em...NOW GET'em UP"!!!! That exercise was a piece of cake for dudes with arms like ours...but not Dennis...it killed him every time!
Noel Walton
I remember he was patient with me while I was still training when first hired on the flying guns, and he was very down to earth. He told me a lot about his family, house, land and the coffee shop he wanted to open with his wife when he retired. I could tell he was very proud of all of it and was a great family man. A great coworker and mentor
Carl Vogtsberger
When he retired...the Commander asked him what his last request was. He requested that his troops (the deployed guys) get their medals or he was not having a retirement ceremony! He put others ahead of himself. I will never forget that. He even had the medals presented at his retirement.
Carlos Michael
I met Dennis in 97 when I started flying. Didn't know much about the job but he quickly took me under his wing and mentored me. Not only did he teach me the job but how to be a good NCO. He taught me that we are all different and need to be flexible with our leadership skills. Once I had the job down we would talk extensively about family. I only hope I can be as good a father and husband as he was. He adored his family and would bend over backwards for them. He was also a good friend willing to do anything for you if you needed anything. I also came to find out he was very smart even if he downplayed it. He wouldn't push but he would tell you the benefits of education and that the government gives us free money to go to school. He taught me to be better with my finances and to invest for the future. I owe a great part of who I am as an NCO and a family man to Dennis. May God rest his soul.
Michael MacConnell
The base was having a fitness challenge one year at the fitness center. All the participants were gathering around. Most of them were in there early 20’s and here Dennis was in his late 30’s. Dennis was stretching out getting ready for Push-up/sit-up completion, and I overheard some of the younger competitors laughing at him saying he has no chance to win he is washed up. These kids had six-pack abs and bulging muscles, once Dennis pumped out his push-ups their jaws dropped and smiles were wiped of their faces. He did the same for the sit-up portion. He blew the field away. I believe if I remember correctly he won first place.
James Slawson
Dennis, Robert Banks, and myself were in Florida. We had just got through working out at Gold’s Gym there in the area (we were all pretty fit at that time.) We went to a Chinese “All you can Eat” Buffet. After our fifth trip to the buffet all the Rice and Beef and Broccoli were gone and we just emptied the Kung Pao Chicken and Fried Rice bowls. We asked if they were making any more White Rice and they said, (in Chinese accent) “No, you finish” “You go now”….we said “This is an All you can Eat Buffet!” Then they said “You eat All Can Eat.” We were thrown out of an “All you can eat Buffet!!!!” Crazy!!!
As Dennis’s career was coming to an end, he approached me one day and asked me to be the presiding officer for his retirement ceremony. The greatest of honors to stand in uniform, side by side with MSgt Siler and retire him from Active duty and return him to his family, church and community. Now I stand in awe of the strength of Tracey, Zach, Christian, Ellie and entire family as I recount the life of a true Gentleman who devoted his life to many, thankfully, we the Air Force, had 20 years of his amazing leadership. Like everyone here, I am personally struggling with this tragedy. Dennis was the truest of men that I have met. Our relationship professionally and personally has made me a better father, improved my abilities in the workplace and has had an impact spiritually. In the New Testament, both John and Paul write of death and sin as enemies, as threats to human life, but both of them remind us that Christ has conquered them by his death on the cross and offered us grace and new life by his resurrection. This is not to trivialize our sense of loss, but to help us remember that death isn’t the end of the human story; death doesn’t get to write our last chapter. In the cross Christ triumphed over death and in the resurrection he opens the gates of heaven to his people. I am reassured, knowing that Dennis stands proud in the gates of heaven.
Its my prayer that in the days and months ahead the Siler family and all of us will dwell less and less on the pain, suddenness of his death, and remember with joy and gratitude, with faith and hope, how well he lived and served and loved.
At Dennis’s retirement I closed with an Air Force Creed that exemplified his character. Today, I would like to read the same Creed as we pay our lasting respects to a Hero, dearest of friends and true brother. The USAF Security Forces Creed.
I am a security force member. I hold allegiance to my country, devotion to duty, and personal integrity above all. I wear my shield of authority with dignity and restraint, and promote by example high standards of conduct, appearance, courtesy, and performance. I seek no favor because of my position. I perform my duties in a firm, courteous, and impartial manner, irrespective of a person's color, race, religion, national origin, or sex. I strive to merit the respect of my fellow airmen and all with whom I come in contact.
There are very few people who come into the USAF and impact so many in a dramatic fashion. The majority of us are just flickers of light during our careers. The few are consistent glows impacting so many. For those of us here today and the thousands throughout MSgt Siler’s career who had the privilege to serve this great nation with him, know all too well that Dennis was a consistent glow, a continually burning flame that provided comfort during difficult times, provided warmth when deployed in harms way and offered joy and laughter during the calm. This flame will never extinguish, never burn out, never falter for he has and will always live in our hearts as an inspiration, one to emulate and provide us strength that we are unaware of possessing during the terribly difficult days, weeks and months ahead.
Dennis was our radiant of hope when things didn’t go our way. A special friend who could share faith, muster a direct order, listen to our complaints, explain to an officer like me not only why I was wrong and making the worst decision of my career (which to Dennis I made often!) but offer solutions that would bring resolution and always insure his troops were protected. Dennis was a fierce warrior for those under his tutelage and displayed character that I dreamed of emulating. He was a master reader of emotion providing a big smile with a comforting face and an ear that could listen till the early morning hours. Dennis was and will continue to be a teacher/leader to us all for his thoughts and actions were pure. His was decisive and always correct.
We started our careers at the same time and probably crossed paths without knowing. I was flying out of Norton AFB and Dennis was in Sembach AB, Germany. I would transit the field not realizing that Dennis was on the ground securing the base, airfield and protecting our members and dependents.
This isn’t what Dennis wants me to talk about….but I will…I know he’s looking down at me right now, with his arms crossed, chest pumped out and giving me that look that a lot of us have seen. Yes at times…intimidating.
While at Sembach, his supervisors wrote:
“He is an absolute role model for other airmen to follow”
“AIC Siler gets things done”
AIC Siler is a classic example of a “fast burner”
“Constantly searches for military and personal self improvement. His appearance, bearing and behavior are above reproach”
Dennis avoided the limelight; his work ethic, desire for knowledge and care for others was genuine and honest.
He shunned personnel praise and always ensured that his accomplishments were transferred to his peers and subordinates. His accomplishments continued outside of the AF, not in uniform with a weapon on his side. Dennis was a consummate professional spending his down time coaching a youth baseball team for American Youth Activities or completing college courses. He was driven to accomplish community service and strived for higher education.
After a few years, the AF decided that Sgt Siler was ready to move. Off he went to Anderson AFB Guam. Surprisingly, I transited the airfield on a weekly basis not realizing that in a few years one of my greatest teachers was at arms grasp and we would be stationed together. Dennis continued to impact all those around him. Involved in Christmas drop for needy children, graduated with honors from NCO Leadership School and recipient of the Commandant’s trophy. An amazing accomplishment.
“SSgt Siler is truly top-notch”
“Supported the local community with clean up after super typhoon Russ”
“Assisted with the re-painting of the historic Agana Cathedral”
“Organized and supported the island-wide Special Olympics”
The theme is constant and crystal clear. MSgt Siler always put everyone in front of himself. His devotion to fellow man was equal, uniform or civilian, in need or plentiful. He loved all with a faith that was un-burnished.
His work was complete at Guam and the AF decided to move Dennis once again. This time to Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina. In fear of being repetitive, our beloved Dennis continued on the same course. Professional development, volunteer work, higher education and military accomplishments galore. After a short time, his recognition was so great that he was hand picked to the most prestigious position for Security Police in the AF. To provide security for Presidential Support Aircraft at Andrews AFB. You may have not known that he graduated from the FBI Sniper School, SWAT and Security Forces Trainer’s Supervisors Course. Dennis would never acknowledge his accomplishments, only others.
Albeit his time was short in North Carolina but I believe it was here that he developed the ability to slow his speech, develop a slight accent and hide the Mensa brilliance that God provided Dennis. It was here that our paths finally crossed and I am so blessed to have spent the last 10 years of our careers together. Dennis and I were on our first trip together supporting the Vice President. He was protecting the aircraft and the rest of the crew was on a long layover. I jumped in the car and decided to go check on my crew- member out at the airport. I approached the aircraft from the flight line and Dennis was standing by the front of the rental car parked in front of AF II. He didn’t recognize me immediately and politely turned a shoulder and placed his hand on the butt of his 9Mill. Note to self, don’t unexpectedly show up on America’s finest Security Police officers charged with protecting the President, Vice-President and Foreign Heads of State in an unmarked rental car at a high rate of speed! As I got out of the vehicle, Dennis and I spent the start of an incredible relationship. We shared faith, family and friends. The three most important things to Dennis. His amazingly strong relationship with our God and Savior, his incredible family and never-ending love and devotion for Tracey, Zach, Christian and Ellie, they’re church family, community family and Air Force family.
As I separate these families into 3 different groups (church, community and AF) it becomes apparent that I am misguided. I look out into the crowd and see the faces of many and we are all the same. We have a common bond that makes us so strong. We all believe deeply in Old Glory and all the promise she provides us and our future generations to come. This is what Dennis believed in. Devotion to duty, Service before self. Protection of our great nation. We all share and respect in the meaning of our Flag and hearts bleed for those who have defended our freedom and given the greatest sacrifice of all. Allowing the strength of Dennis’s belief in God and an eternity of peace resurrect your search for God and Faith if it is lacking. Assume Dennis’s actions and community service; never shy away from the poor, hungry and needy. If we could all see through the eyes of Dennis--that everyone was equal, everyone deserved affection, respect and love.
Believe in synergy where the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.
I now would like to read a few excerpts from great Americans who served side by side with Dennis over the years. As we affectionately call them, they were all Flying Guns. Our nation’s leaders slept well at night while traveling the darkest corners of the world knowing that these men and women stood vigilant 24 hours a day insuring that the American flag on the tail of our aircraft and bold print “United States of America” down the fuselage was sovereign US territory and the tip of the sword for our military might. When diplomacy failed and thankfully not often, the sword fell. These flying guns stood side by side with Dennis for countless years and will continue the tradition for years to come, ensuring the sound of freedom rings loud throughout the world.
Over the course of the past few days, all of us are suffering, confused and questioning this tragedy. Dear friends of Dennis’s, Jake Pullin and James Slawson have done so much for today and were able to compile a few excerpts from former flying guns. I now would like to read a few of their comments:
Donald Whitley
I miss the "debates" in a brotherly way we use to have back in the day. I mean Really Good debates/discussions. I learned something new every time. I wanted that back! He was a Good Man -- "principled." We called him Maximus. The intellectual warrior...he left an impression!
Jake Pullin & Gina Coonrod
What about the over-hand claps? You had Dennis with them "bigass" arms who looked like he was playing the piano by the time they were done with him. He hated that exercise! They were like..."you built them big arms...you wanted'em...NOW GET'em UP"!!!! That exercise was a piece of cake for dudes with arms like ours...but not Dennis...it killed him every time!
Noel Walton
I remember he was patient with me while I was still training when first hired on the flying guns, and he was very down to earth. He told me a lot about his family, house, land and the coffee shop he wanted to open with his wife when he retired. I could tell he was very proud of all of it and was a great family man. A great coworker and mentor
Carl Vogtsberger
When he retired...the Commander asked him what his last request was. He requested that his troops (the deployed guys) get their medals or he was not having a retirement ceremony! He put others ahead of himself. I will never forget that. He even had the medals presented at his retirement.
Carlos Michael
I met Dennis in 97 when I started flying. Didn't know much about the job but he quickly took me under his wing and mentored me. Not only did he teach me the job but how to be a good NCO. He taught me that we are all different and need to be flexible with our leadership skills. Once I had the job down we would talk extensively about family. I only hope I can be as good a father and husband as he was. He adored his family and would bend over backwards for them. He was also a good friend willing to do anything for you if you needed anything. I also came to find out he was very smart even if he downplayed it. He wouldn't push but he would tell you the benefits of education and that the government gives us free money to go to school. He taught me to be better with my finances and to invest for the future. I owe a great part of who I am as an NCO and a family man to Dennis. May God rest his soul.
Michael MacConnell
The base was having a fitness challenge one year at the fitness center. All the participants were gathering around. Most of them were in there early 20’s and here Dennis was in his late 30’s. Dennis was stretching out getting ready for Push-up/sit-up completion, and I overheard some of the younger competitors laughing at him saying he has no chance to win he is washed up. These kids had six-pack abs and bulging muscles, once Dennis pumped out his push-ups their jaws dropped and smiles were wiped of their faces. He did the same for the sit-up portion. He blew the field away. I believe if I remember correctly he won first place.
James Slawson
Dennis, Robert Banks, and myself were in Florida. We had just got through working out at Gold’s Gym there in the area (we were all pretty fit at that time.) We went to a Chinese “All you can Eat” Buffet. After our fifth trip to the buffet all the Rice and Beef and Broccoli were gone and we just emptied the Kung Pao Chicken and Fried Rice bowls. We asked if they were making any more White Rice and they said, (in Chinese accent) “No, you finish” “You go now”….we said “This is an All you can Eat Buffet!” Then they said “You eat All Can Eat.” We were thrown out of an “All you can eat Buffet!!!!” Crazy!!!
As Dennis’s career was coming to an end, he approached me one day and asked me to be the presiding officer for his retirement ceremony. The greatest of honors to stand in uniform, side by side with MSgt Siler and retire him from Active duty and return him to his family, church and community. Now I stand in awe of the strength of Tracey, Zach, Christian, Ellie and entire family as I recount the life of a true Gentleman who devoted his life to many, thankfully, we the Air Force, had 20 years of his amazing leadership. Like everyone here, I am personally struggling with this tragedy. Dennis was the truest of men that I have met. Our relationship professionally and personally has made me a better father, improved my abilities in the workplace and has had an impact spiritually. In the New Testament, both John and Paul write of death and sin as enemies, as threats to human life, but both of them remind us that Christ has conquered them by his death on the cross and offered us grace and new life by his resurrection. This is not to trivialize our sense of loss, but to help us remember that death isn’t the end of the human story; death doesn’t get to write our last chapter. In the cross Christ triumphed over death and in the resurrection he opens the gates of heaven to his people. I am reassured, knowing that Dennis stands proud in the gates of heaven.
Its my prayer that in the days and months ahead the Siler family and all of us will dwell less and less on the pain, suddenness of his death, and remember with joy and gratitude, with faith and hope, how well he lived and served and loved.
At Dennis’s retirement I closed with an Air Force Creed that exemplified his character. Today, I would like to read the same Creed as we pay our lasting respects to a Hero, dearest of friends and true brother. The USAF Security Forces Creed.
I am a security force member. I hold allegiance to my country, devotion to duty, and personal integrity above all. I wear my shield of authority with dignity and restraint, and promote by example high standards of conduct, appearance, courtesy, and performance. I seek no favor because of my position. I perform my duties in a firm, courteous, and impartial manner, irrespective of a person's color, race, religion, national origin, or sex. I strive to merit the respect of my fellow airmen and all with whom I come in contact.
MSgt Dennis Siler, it is for you I eternally pray, dear brother. Rest in peace."
Final Salute…
Final Salute…
He sounds like a truly wonderful man, Tracy. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDang, I didn't know he passed. I just happened to be looking up some names from the past and saw this. I was one of his NCOs at Sembach back in the day, and "happened" to run into him years later at Scott AFB with AF II. He was always a good troop and a great guy. My condolences to his family.
ReplyDelete