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Manas Airmen honor fallen heroes, Ganci legacy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- --  
A formation of Airmen at the Transit Center at Manas held a ceremony here Nov. 11 to honor the memory of a firefighter, Chief Peter Ganci, who died during the 9-11 attacks.

Chief Ganci, a 33-year veteran of the New York City Department, died while coordinating and commanding the rescue effort at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

During the ceremony, held in collaboration with the Veterans Day, Airmen at the Transit Center flew four U.S. flags to be presented to Mr. Ganci's children and his fire station in New York.

"It is an honor to take time out of our busy schedule to honor the Ganci family," said Senior Master Sgt. Lynette Harshman, 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant.

"Today the honor guard is raising and lowering four flags on behalf of the Ganci family," said Maj. Gregory Rusk, officer in charge of the Manas Honor Guard. "It is a great honor to be able to do this ceremony in honor of their father's sacrifice. Their father was great man who died doing what he loved and was trained to do. To honor his memory is a great opportunity for us."

The flags, which had been previously flown on combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, were raised and lowered by the honor guard team, and were crisply folded by Airmen and leader of different private organizations at Manas.

"As we celebrate Veterans Day today, it is an honor and privilege to honor the memory of a true hero, Mr. Ganci, while serving here with each one of you during this critical time in our country's history," said Senior Master Sgt. Dianna Vallely, 376th Expeditionary Medical Group superintendent and first sergeant. "I know the family will be touched when they receive the flags and video that will be sent."

During the opening remarks giving by Master Sgt. Stephen Gray of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, he said by displaying the flag and giving it a distinctive fold, we show respect to the flag and express our gratitude to those who fought and continue to fight for freedom.