Sheppard mourns fallen Airman Published Aug. 26, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga 82nd Training Wing SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard personnel gathered Aug. 20 to honor and bid farewell to a wingman, defender and friend, Airman 1st Class Clifford L. Slater, Jr. Assigned to the 82nd Security Forces Squadron, Airman Slater was killed Aug. 15 after being struck by a vehicle and suffering serious injuries. The memorial service at Sheppard's North Chapel included a slide show of photos depicting Airman Slater's career in the Air Force and a poster board photo of him. A pair of empty boots rested below the display, a common scene to honor a fallen Airman. Barry Alcorn, 82nd SFS supply technician, recited the Security Forces Prayer and remembered the importance Airman Slater placed on his job and his faith. "If you know Slater's car, you know he has a big window decal on the back," Mr. Alcorn said, "That decal says 'God's Son', and that's exactly how Airman Slater lived his life, as God's son." He said he remembered first meeting Airman Slater and the cool confidence he displayed--zero intimidation and was ready to face whatever was headed at him. "There was something different about him that let me know he was going to be a great Airman," Mr. Alcorn said. He said Airman Slater performed his duties exceptionally well and always maintained a professional attitude while on duty, balancing his duty to defend the base and his duty to uphold the critical first impression. "From the time he arrived, it was obvious we had an Airman eager to serve," said Major William Lowery, 82nd SFS commander. "He executed is job in a professional manner whenever he took his post." After the final words were delivered, attendees were allowed to go forward and pay their last respects to their fallen wingman. Not a single person left without first passing by the display on the stage and rendering one final salute. He is survived by a son, Jaziah; his father, Clifford Slater; his mother, Theresa Watson; and his brothers and sisters.