CONTACT:
• Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Washington State University Vancouver held a flag-lowering and memorial ceremony to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Chief Warrant Officer Niall Lyons, 40, of Spokane, Wash. The ceremony was held today at 11 a.m. at the flag poles outside the Student Services Center.
Lyons 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.
Niall Lyons is brother to Sean Lyons, who works in the science department at 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø. 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.
"Coupled with the life Niall lived, was his equally strong commitment to his family and to this country which he defended. 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."
Governor Christine Gregoire has ordered all 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 eight-year-old son. To learn more or make a contribution visit .
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is celebrating 20 years of bringing quality education, research and service to the citizens of Southwest Washington. The campus is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers 16 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Learn more at .
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