Justin James Wilkens

Justin was born, the second of four children, to Jim and Sharon Wilkens in Bend, Oregon, on February 7, 1986. His passion for flying was evident from an early age. He obtained his glider license at age 14 and his Pilot License at age 16. He entered the Air Force Academy in 2005 and graduated, receiving his commission, in 2009. He completed his Combat Systems Officer Training in Randolph, Texas, in 2010, graduating with Excellence in the top third of his class. He received his U-28A Combat Systems Officer Training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, finishing in 2011 with the Spirit 03 Superior Performer Award, the receipt of which qualified him to compete for Distinguished Graduate of 2011 U-28 Combat Systems Officer, which he was awarded on January 12, 2012. Justin joined the Air Force because he loved his country, he loved to fly, and he wanted to live with courage to fight for the good and defend those needing protection. He had soberly considered the possible necessity of giving his life for these principles and it was a price he was willing to pay. His conviction was evident in the excellence with which he did his work. His last performance report reads, Outstanding junior officer/aviator who always produces top-notch results executing global special ops missions. Enthusiastic, combat-proven aviator making immediate impact in combat. Aircraft systems guru. Gifted Ambassador with key U.S. Allies. Most Valuable Player! To his family, Justin will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his eyes brimming with fun, his warm heart and his hard, tight bear hugs. He was excited to be alive and he lived with joy in the present moment. He made any situation fun and he leaves behind him many memories of rendering us helpless with laughter at his stories. He was affectionate and loving to his family and friends, sacrificially generous and loyal. Justin is survived by his parents, Jim and Sharon Wilkens, his older sister, Brittany and her husband, Nathan Betts, his younger sister, Cameron, and younger brother, Jason, as well as his grandparents, Bob and Donna Wilkens and Walt and Jane Miller, and his unborn niece or nephew, expected in June. Justin is predeceased by his friend, Josh Keeley, and his much loved black Labrador, Buddy, both in 2006. A funeral service for Justin will be held at Westside Church in Bend, on Saturday, March 24, at 11:00 a.m. As a possible alternative to flowers, donations may be made to the Otino-Waa Orphanage in Uganda, an orphanage with close ties to Antioch, Justins home church in Bend, Oregon. Checks may be made out to Path Ministries/ Otino- Waa, with a designation for the Justin Wilkens Memorial Fund and sent to Path Ministries, P.O. Box 7931, Bend, Oregon 97708. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Justin James Wilkens

February 7, 1986 - February 18, 2012