- Date Of Birth: September 15, 1984
- Date Of Death: December 5, 2012
- State: Florida
HURLBURT FIELD —Earlier this week, Major John Hurt, Hurlburt Field’s chaplain, met with some of the friends of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Fofie, the 28-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in a traffic accident Dec. 5. As Hurt made his way into the room, he was met with a surprising sight: A laughing, “heehawing” group of people swapping stories about the young Airman.
Fofie touched a number of people’s lives, Hurt said, adding that he was a prime example of “the power of a life well lived.”
About 200 family members, friends and fellow airmen gathered in Hurlburt Field’s Base Chapel.
He joined the Air Force on June 28, 2005. It was a decision that was, at first, difficult for his father, Richard Fofie Sr. At the time, a number of U.S. military deaths had been reported.
Richard was only a semester and a half away from finishing his computer degree, so his father suggested he wait until then to join. A week later, Richard called his father with his decision. In time, his father came to accept the decision and support Richard.
As an Aircraft Integrated Avionics Technician, Richard traveled to Japan, Korea, and Arizona. He also served deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
No matter where he was stationed, “Officer Sir,” as his father jokingly called him, would always call home regularly.
Last Monday, father and son began planning a trip to Fofie’s native country of Ghana. The following Wednesday, Richard was gone.
His son was well-loved and an inspiration to many, Fofie said.
As a photo of Richard grinned on in the front of the chapel, some of his friends took to the microphone to describe the airman.
Tonya Reid recalled his love of life and his encouragement of others to join with him in living life to the fullest.
“Our lives have been changed by Richard Fofie,” Reid said.
His love of eating was talked about by every speaker. Richard loved food, and the unhealthier, the better, Aeza Maulawin said.
“What he loved more than anything was what you had on your plate,” she said with a laugh.
Within minutes of hearing him say, “What up though,” you and Richard were friends, Maulawin said. Richard lived for his friends and family, bending over backwards to help them when they needed it.
“I’m not sure how, but he made time for everyone,” Maulawin said.
Richard will be missed by his airman family, said Lt. Col. Felix Johnfinn. His fellow airmen would brighten when they saw Richard would be working on their shift, even if it was the night shift.
“He ensured that everyone around him was at their best,” Johnfinn said.
