Cadet remembered for his generous character

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Cadet 2nd Class Yung C. "Andrew" Chin, who passed away June 19 in Las Vegas, was honored and laid to rest at the Air Force Academy Cemetery July 13.

Sensei Sarah Bender, the Academy's Cadet Chapel Buddhist Program Leader, held a service that included remarks from friends and family, a memorial meditation, military honors and Celtic blessing as Chin's ashes were interred at the cemetery.

Chin was a member of the Class of 2014 and majored in biology with a pre-medical emphasis.

"He wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon," said Maj. Sharon Nickelberry, air officer commanding for Cadet Squadron 10. "His dream was to one day become a great doctor just like his dad."

Chin joined CS 33 his freshman year and moved to CS 10, also known as "Tiger Ten," his sophomore year. Nickelberry said although Chin was only with the squadron for a year, he made an impact on the people around him.

"He was so proud to be a cadet here," Nickelberry said. "Personally, I will never forget the smile he always wore on his face and how he loved helping others. I'm sure that trait would have made him an outstanding doctor and I know he would have been an outstanding officer."

According to Chin's family, the name Yung in Chinese means "courageous" or "brave", the name Chern means "successful," and the name Andrew means "man"or "warrior" in the Greek origin.

"Therefore, his name means a brave and successful warrior," Nickelberry said.

Cadet 2nd Class Emily Raney said Chin helped her get through Basic Cadet Training.

"He got me through the assault course and was next to me the entire time," Raney said. "He dragged me through it until the end. He was incredibly smart and I will miss his laugh, that huge infectious smile, his chemistry skills and his unfailing ability to hack my Facebook account."

Chin was active in the Academy's swim and dive team and appeared on the Dean's list all four semesters he was at the Academy. He was also selected to be the squadron honor representative this upcoming fall.

Cadet 2nd Class Alexander Pecci said Chin liked to bring joy to others and see them succeed.

"I remember one time when we were coming from the gym he said, 'I'm going to say hi to everybody I see,'" Pecci said. "At the Academy people don't usually respond if you don't know them but Chin ended up greeting everyone he passed that day. Only about half of them responded, but he didn't care because he wanted to brighten their day."

Sensei Bender prayed for Chin to be healed and find peace. A committal ceremony followed.

Chin was on summer leave when he passed away.

He is survived by his mother, Sue, father, Tony and brother, Austin.