Prior to joining the Air Force One family, Sergeant Stewart was assigned to the 552 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Tinker AFB, Okla., as lead technician and flightline expediter. Prior to Tinker, he was assigned to both the 1st Helicopter Squadron and the 89th Maintenance Group here at Andrews where he served as a hydraulic systems specialist and an assistant dedicated crew chief. Before that, he served at Eielson AFB, Alaska, and McChord AFB, Wash., as a hydraulic systems specialist on F-16, A⁄OA-10 and C-141B aircraft.

Sergeant Stewart deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. He was a 2000 graduate of the CMSAF Donald L. Harlow Airman Leadership School at Andrews and a 2006 graduate of the NCO Academy at Gunter Annex, Ala. He completed his associate of science degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology through the Community College of the Air Force in 1999.

During his fourteen year Air Force career, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Achievement medal.

Sergeant Stewart leaves behind his loving wife, Jocelyn, and sons James V (Drew), 9 and Tyler, 5. He is also survived by his parents, James III and Kay Stewart, and his brother, Chad Stewart, of Temple, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Drew and Tyler Stewart College⁄Vacation fund can be made in his name and sent to PO Box 1923, Stafford, Va. 22555.

A remembrance service for Sergeant Stewart will be held today at the First United Methodist Church in Temple, Texas.