Air Force — All Stories — More Than A Headstone

A Trailblazing Leader

Diana Denise Ceciliani was born Diana Denise Clark on October 30, 1959, in Columbus, Ohio. During her youth, she grew up in the city and attended Walnut Ridge High School, where she joined the Student Council and effected change for the better within the school. She was also a member of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and belonged to the German club, showing a deep dedication to learning and leading.

Sisters in ServiceJulianna BeckertOctober 4, 2025Chief Master Sergeant, Security Police Specialist, Saudi Arabia, Colorado Springs Veteran Day Parade, Air Force

A Titan in Cold War Aeronautics

John A Rasey was born in Fostoria, Ohio, on March 17, 1929, to parents Corrine and Hilles Rasey. John lived his childhood under the looming presence of the Great Depression and World War Two.

Lifetime of ServiceJulianna BeckertSeptember 26, 2025Cold War, Korean War, Aeronautics, Aviation, Universities, Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Nuclear Missiles.

Captain Al

After high school, Alivan Compton Rea would join the Colorado Air National Guard, the aerial militia and reserves for the Air Force. After a few years serving in the Guard, Al enlisted in the Air Force. He worked as an Instructor, a Military Policeman, a Toe Target Operator, and a Firefighter during his time in service.

Campus Connections, Lifetime of ServiceEsteban GomezOctober 11, 2021Berthoud Pass, Gates Rubber Company, Colorado Air National Guard, Air Force, Toe Target Operator, Raton Pass, Arenco, El Camino College, University of Denver, Martin Marietta, Chatfield State Park

Dedication Beyond Service

In the 1950s, at 21 years old, Kenneth left home to enlist in the Air Force as a mechanic. During his 23 years of service, he completed his basic training in California and then was stationed in Iceland, Washington, Japan, Virginia, and Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, where he eventually retired.