Standing tall: MXS father helps college-bound students in memory of daughter

Published July 17, 2006
By Tech. Sgt. Mark Kleber
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- In August 2004, Tech. Sgt. Derrol Turner of 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was preparing to walk his daughter Lea Christine Turner down the aisle, but instead he ended up burying her the day before her wedding.

Lea, who was 17 years old, died in a two-car accident on her way to Greenbrier High School in Evans, Ga., north of Augusta. She had just started her senior year.

The wreck happened when her 21-year-old fiancé lost control of his car while driving her to the school. His car was hit on the passenger side by an oncoming car and was thrown into a ditch, according to law enforcement officials.

“She was killed instantly, and I pray she did not suffer,” Sergeant Turner said. “Witnesses at the accident scene said they saw angel dust, or glitter, all over her body, and she looked peaceful. The fact she was peaceful made me feel good.”

Sergeant Turner said he will never get over his daughter’s death. “It broke my heart when I lost her. I feel like I’m dead inside.”

However, with the help of Chaplain (Capt.) Brendon ODowd of the 437th Airlift Wing and his wife, Terrie, Sergeant Turner said he has refocused on God in memory of his daughter.

Along with a friend, Sergeant Turner also started a scholarship in her name, open to all Greenbrier High senior girls in need. The scholarship was started in 2005, and the first ones were awarded for the class of 2006. Sergeant Turner will offer two $1,250 scholarships per year for at least four years. He and his friend have committed a total of $10,000 for eight students at $1,250 each.

Wanting to help other students in any way, Sergeant Turner said it’s up to them how they choose to spend the money. “They can use it to buy books, sheets for their dorm room, whatever they need.”

“I hope to continue my efforts once my pledge of four years is up. I did four years for that would have been the time span of my daughter, Lea, attending college. “

As a Goose Creek, S.C., resident and 1977 graduate of Goose Creek High School, Sergeant Turner said he would also like to start a scholarship at his alma mater to help needy students in her name. Lea is buried in the Whispering Pines cemetery in the Strawberry community near Goose Creek.

Sergeant Turner also refocused his own educational pursuits in his daughter’s memory. He completed his Community College of the Air Force degree in aircraft maintenance technology in 2005.

Now, he has also rededicated himself to the Air Force Reserve. Turner, with 21 years service, has been deployed three times, to Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia

“I love serving my country and fixing airplanes. It means a lot to me to help the troops get home and to help the medevac patients.” He was activated for two years and is now serving on long term mandays

Sergeant Turner hopes his daughter’s death impacted the more than 300 kids who attended her funeral. “If 10 percent of those kids can be changed then my daughter’s life would have had a purpose,” the sergeant said.

Being six feet tall and being one of the tallest girls in her high school, Sergeant Turner said his daughter slouched, but he kept pushing her to stand tall. “She was destined to go places. I wanted her strong and independent.”

He now hopes the scholarship recipients can stand tall in the memory of his beautiful daughter whose life was tragically cut short.