Searching for Capt. Jarman
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on November 15, 2014 10:38 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Capt. William Jarman, a former member of the 335th Fighter Squadron, is seen in photos and memorabilia from his time in the Air Force.
In a way, Sean Jarman has always been searching for his father -- an Air Force aviator who was killed in a training exercise Oct. 1, 1969.
And Friday, he finally -- some 45 years later -- got many of the answers he was looking for.
An honorary brick located in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's Heritage Park remembers a man that Sean never knew.
So when the aviator's family and friends gathered to dedicate it to a husband, father and loved one lost far too soon, it was emotional.
"(The accident) is so significant in Sean's life," said Sheliah Darby, Sean's mother.
Sean was only 2 years old when his father, William, died.
And Sheliah was pregnant with his brother, Fred.
So when she heard that the brick was going to be dedicated, the mother was, at first, reluctant to attend.
"I was actually dreading it," she said.
Sean wasn't.
He has, after all, always wondered about the kind of man his father was.
So when he placed his father's hat by the brick -- and read a poem -- tears formed in his eyes.
And when he spoke with base historian Dr. Roy Heidicker, he was excited to learn about Capt. Bill "Empty Bucket" Jarman's career in the 335th Fighter Squadron.
"The Chiefs really focus on their heritage," Heidicker said. "Your dad is an integral part of our history.
"It's special to be a part of this wing, but it's really special to be a Chief. Part of being highly trained to go toe-to-toe with the bad guys is that we will lose people. It's an inherent part of being the best, and we are the best."
Sheliah ultimately saw the experience of coming to Seymour Johnson as a blessing.
"All of us had our individual walls (after the accident)," she said. "And in 45 years, we hadn't really gotten together to break down those walls."
Not until Friday -- when, as one, they spent time everywhere from the 335th headquarters to the flight line.
"Sean was 2 years old when his father died," Sheliah said. "And (he's) been searching for him ever since."