EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California -- A memorial ceremony was held for Senior Airman Lauren Delaney on Edwards Air Force Base, California, Feb. 18.
Delaney was a Bioenvironmental Engineering Technician assigned to the 412th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB. Delaney passed away Feb. 7, from complications due to an outpatient procedure in nearby Palmdale, California.
“Lauren was a jewel of positivity at OMRS, said Lt. Col. Arthur Lawrance, 412th OMRS Commander. “We really needed her here during the last year. I’m sure the Bio Flight will agree that the way she was is what helped us get through that.”
Delaney entered the Air Force on October 31, 2017, and completed basic military training in January 2018. She went on to complete technical training school for the Bioenvironmental Engineering career field in April 2018 and was stationed at Edwards that same month. Since arriving at Edwards, she served in a variety of positions.
Delaney oversaw the Special Surveillance and Illness Investigation programs where she guided 14 Airmen through 57 surveys identifying hazardous exposures to personnel. In addition, she drove the Hazardous Communication and Chemical Authorization Programs, revamping the approval process for 75 training plans and over 10,000 chemicals allowed on base. Delaney was posthumously awarded an Air Force Achievement Medal during the ceremony.
Furthermore, in her free time, she frequently volunteered her time with Homes for Vets, housing 386 veterans and Traumatic Assistance Program where she received a Letter of Appreciation for her 150 hours of emotional support for 92 members. Delaney also earned the Top Three Award for Youngest Airmen to receive their Community College of the Air Force degree in 2019. Throughout her busy schedule she found time to attend the University of Maryland, were she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2020.
During the ceremony her friends and colleagues talked about Delaney and what they missed about her.
“Now, all I think about is all the funny things you used to say and do; when I listen to music, the quirky dances you did. You made me laugh because mid-way through our conversation you would say the most random, off-the-wall, fact of knowledge that no one would ever know,” said Staff Sgt. Mutia Graham, the master of ceremonies for the memorial and Delaney’s close friend. “It’s interesting because you were such a quiet and laid back person and yet you gave a lot to the world around you. I can picture you right now sitting in the back row, ducking behind a chair with your face red-flush because you’d hate that you’d be getting all this attention.
“There’s so much I wish I said to you, so many things I wish we got to do,” Graham added. “Time never really asks of us what we want, nor does it wait for us to do it, time never really gave us time. It didn’t wait for us to say goodbye, the days just keeps going, I had fought the urge to ask God why, instead I have spent the days with our close friends and we shared silent tears over funny stories about you.”
Delaney will profoundly be missed by her flight and wingmen. Her legacy in the unit will be remembered through her amazing character. Known for her quick wit, work ethic and dance moves, Delaney was a hip and reliable member of the team. She loved a good cup of coffee in her favorite mug and always had a book in hand. She was known as a forward thinker and when faced with tough challenges, she would innovate new ways to solve difficult problems. She was never one to be the center of attention however, her actions were impactful to everyone around her. It’s evident by the weight of her loss that she was loved by many and will truly be missed. As Delaney would say, “R.I.P. in peace.”