LANSING, Mich (May 22, 2025) — Today, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) was joined at the Michigan Senate’s 30th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony by her distinguished guests, Richard and Emily Hansen, parents of fallen service member, Senior Airman James A. Hansen.
“The sacrifice made by Senior Airman James Hansen— and the continued burden his family bears — is unimaginable. His courage and the strength of those who loved him remind us of the true cost of freedom,” said Sen. Anthony. “I am deeply honored that his parents could join me as my special guests. This ceremony is a heartfelt yet somber reminder of those who gave their lives in service, and an opportunity to honor their memory and the ultimate sacrifice they paid for all of us. Thank you to all of our veterans, active service members, and their families.”
James grew up in Athens, MI, where he graduated from Athens High School in 2003. Before his military career, James attended Kellogg Community College and later enrolled in Central Michigan University’s College of Extended Learning after enlisting in the Air Force.
Following in his father’s military footsteps, SrA Hansen began serving in the U.S. Air Force in May 2008 as a Senior Airman specializing in airfield management. In 2009, he was named the 46th Test Wing Airfield Management Airman of the Year.
SrA Hansen was deployed to Iraq in 2010 and died on September 15, 2010, from wounds suffered while assisting with controlled detonations of captured bombs on Joint Base Balad. He was laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI.
James’ parents joined Sen. Anthony at the Senate’s 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony to honor his legacy and sacrifice. He is also survived by his brother, Richard A. Hansen, Jr.; his fiancée, Megan Bottomlee; and his grandmother, Dee Dee Aiello.
Since 1995, the Michigan Senate has held a special session to commemorate Memorial Day and recognize Michigan veterans, active military servicemembers, and their families, including Michigan’s Blue Star Mothers. The ceremony also recognizes the Michigan soldiers who lost their lives and their Gold Star Families they left behind.