Former Wing commander remembered

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Somber music filled the Justin Conference Room at building 3000 here Feb. 5 as the montage of a man's life was shown on the screen, tears flowed from some of the attendees, some tried to fight it and some remained silent. 

It was the first year mark of the tragic day that shook Team Edwards. The 95th Air Base Wing hosted a remembrance ceremony for Col. Bryan J. Gallagher, 95 Air Base Wing Commander, who died after he was found unconscious at the Rosburg Fitness Center parking lot on Feb. 5, 2008. As part of the ceremony, a room in the 95th ABW Command Section was dedicated in his memory. 

"Today, we are gathered here to remember someone who was and is still dear to our hearts," said Col. Nancy Reeves-Flores, 95th ABW vice commander. "One year ago today, I told the Air Base Wing team that Colonel Gallagher had passed. From that day on, many of us operated in a state of shock and disbelief, wondering how we were going to get through it. (We wondered) what would happen to the goals and vision he laid out for the Wing and how we would take care of Robyn and Morgan through this difficult time." 

As the entire base pulled together as a team, she said "through it all, I learned what the Wingman concept really was. I am so proud of everybody on this base." 

Colonel Reeves-Flores relayed to the audience about what she and other people remember about Colonel Gallagher, "who touched so many people as the vice commander and the Wing commander." 

"We know he was a man of few words," Colonel Reeves-Flores said. "But all these words he had always seem to be on target and had the right message." 

He also would often speak about the TEAM concept -- in that Together, Everyone Achieves More -- and that is what he instilled in us, that as a team, we could make our strategic vision come true, Colonel Reeves-Flores said. Colonel Gallagher was that rarity -- he was a man who was a strategic thinker. We hear about them, but it is so rare you get to get work for one. She also talked about his love for coffee, undecipherable charts and "Where in the World is Waldo" types of adventures where he would explore the vast base and desert environment. 

For John Nichols, 95th Civil Engineer and Transportation Directorate executive assistant, he said he remembers Colonel Gallagher as a friend and the type of person who said "hello" to everyone. 

"He truly was the type of commander who you never thought you worked for, but most importantly, worked with," Mr. Nichols said. "He was right there in the battles with you, and if things got tough, he would always think of something to make you laugh to ease the tension. When I think of a definition of the word 'friend,' I can only think of three words, 'Colonel Bryan Gallagher.' He will always be our friend, and he will never be forgotten." 

Colonel Reeves-Flores said Team Edwards had been shocked and saddened by the loss of a great leader, mentor and warrior. 

In closing, Colonel Reeves-Flores asked each of the attendees to "remember what we gained by knowing Bryan Gallagher, by having him as our friend and wingman, by seeing him as Robyne's husband, as Morgan's dad. It is through this remembrance of what he gave us, challenged us to accomplish and being those who carry out that vision, we do him the most honor."