Posted on 02/06/2008 8:27:42 PM PST by BenLurkin
EDWARDS AFB - Air Force Col. Bryan Gallagher, commander of the 95th Air Base Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, died Tuesday morning after losing consciousness outside the base fitness center, officials said. Gallagher, 46, was found in his vehicle about 6:50 a.m. in the parking lot of the Rosburg Fitness Center, where he had exercised, Edwards officials said. Three airmen started performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and he was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:45 a.m.
"Bryan was an excellent commander that lived the Air Force core values," Brig. Gen. David Eichhorn, the Air Force Flight Test Center commander, said in a statement released by base officials. "Our entire Air Force family mourns his loss. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends at the passing of this great leader, father and husband."
Memorial services are being planned. Edwards and hospital officials said they could not comment on whether Gallagher might have suffered a heart attack.
As commander of the 95th Air Base Wing, which manages the infrastructure for the Air Force's second largest base, Gallagher's role was similar to that of a mayor for a city. The air base wing commander is responsible for installation infrastructure and force protection; administration and personnel; transportation and supply; housing and construction; medical services and fire protection; and quality of life for personnel.
Vice commander Col. Nancy Wharton is serving as acting commander of the 95th Air Base Wing, effective immediately.
(Excerpt) Read more at avpress.com ...
"Col. Bryan Gallagher, right, accepts a flag from Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Bedke, left, during the May 29 change of command ceremony for the 95th Air Base Wing at Edwards Air Force Base. Col. Gallagher was found unconscious in his vehicle in front of the base fitness center. Three airmen performed CPR on the colonel Tuesday, who was taken to the AV hospital and pronounced dead at 7:45 a.m." RON SIDDLE Valley Press files
Heart-felt prayers for his family and troops.
Believe it or not, the Air Force has implemented fitness standards with teeth. He is not exempt and was trying to lead by example.
You just never know, do you?
Sad news.
Wow, that seems really really young!
Prayers for his family.
RIP.
46 is very young.
As a neighbor of Edwards here in the Antelope Valley, the commander and his family will figure prominently in my prayers.
Gads! He was my age! :-O
Prayers and condolences to his family and friends on this unexpected loss. :*(
Not funny.
Too soon gone. Prayers for his loved ones.
Very young, especially for someone in good enough shape to stay in the military.
I hope they do a FULL tox screen.
He was young, but when your time is up, your time is up. You just never know. Vaya con Dios, Colonel.
I’m 20 minutes from Edwards. This is such a sad story. Prayers going out to Family and Friends............
Cruel, mean and uncalled for.
Odds are it was probably an aneurysm or congenital heart defect.
Basically a bad roll of the cosmic dice and something caught up with him.
Clean living folks can die in their 30’s. Some boozing chow-hounds may be smoking a pack a day well into their 80’s.
Go figure.
Knock it off...it is not funny.
Prayers for his family and friends!
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