VANCOUVER Staff, faculty and students at WSU Vancouver participated in a flag-lowering and memorial ceremony today in honor of a fellow staff member’s brother, who died recently in Afghanistan.
Chief Warrant Officer Niall Lyons, 40, of Spokane, died Oct. 26 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He died of wounds suffered when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye Bum, Afghanistan.
His brother, Sean Lyons, is administrative manager in the science department at WSU Vancouver. Staff, faculty and students attended the ceremony in support of Sean and his family.
Sean characterized his brother as grounded in his love for God, family and friends.
“The characteristics that resonated with me were Niall’s personal strength, which came from his faith in God,” Sean said. “I believe the strength he received from God enabled him to be the pilot he was in Operation Iraqi Freedom and finally in Operation Enduring Freedom.”
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire ordered flags to be flown at half-mast today in honor of Lyons. Members of the American Legion Honor Guard participated in the flag-lowering ceremony and presented Sean with the flag.
A memorial fund has been established through Night Stalker’s Association for children of parents who have been killed in the line of duty. Lyons leaves behind an 8-year-old son. To learn more or make a contribution visit www.nsa160.com/scholarship_donors.htm.
