DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Delaware -- Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations bids farewell to Col. Brian Eddy, commander, as he retires after more than 28 years of service. The ceremony took place at the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 28, 2021.
Eddy has served as the AFMAO commander for two years, where he oversaw the sacred mission of providing dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families. With this assignment being his second time serving the mortuary mission at Dover, he said he is grateful for the career he has had.
“I didn’t think I’d make it much past four (years),” Eddy said. “But it’s been much more than four. It has been 28 years, including 15 amazing assignments, four overseas, three deployments and TDYs (temporary duty locations) around the world, from as far off as Diego Garcia, to Colony Glacier, Alaska, with many great memories of family interwoven through those times.”
H. L. Larry, Air Force Services director, presided over the ceremony, recalling times in Eddy’s past where he showed his dedication and faithfulness to the Air Force.
“Col. Eddy is an awesome commander,” Larry said. “He is tenacious, smart and he knows what he’s doing. The AFMAO mission is a tremendous mission; someone has to take the lead, and Brian, you’ve done an amazing job.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, Eddy made sure to thank those who helped guide him along the way.
“Every one of you here has made a difference in my life,” Eddy said. “And you will continue making a difference, whether it’s in or out of uniform. So thank you all for what you have done—and what you will do.”