Body of airman killed in Osprey crash off coast of Japan returns home
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM/Gray News) - People across western Massachusetts gathered Friday night for the homecoming of a fallen hero, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher.
Galliher, 24, was one of eight crew members killed last month in an Osprey crash during a training mission off the coast of Japan.
Western Mass News reports the Pittsfield native returned to Westover Air Force Base on Friday to be welcomed home by Gov. Maura Healey, Rep. Richard Neal, military members and loved ones.
“His loss is going to be felt not only across the Berkshires but across America as well ... All indications are, after having talked with the family, that this was a valiant young man,” Neal said.
The day started in Chicopee at Westover, where his body was greeted by military members, loved ones, and state leaders during a dignified transfer.
From there, a procession took the journey back to Berkshire County. Across Pittsfield, welcoming words and American flags decorated the sidewalks. Many gathered outside the Colonial Theatre where staff members worked hard to make sure Galliher received the homecoming he deserved.
“It’s really hard because they’re wonderful people, you know. They’re very wonderful people and they work very hard and care a lot about their community and so it’s important for us to be able to take care of them in their time of grief,” said AJ Gardner, assistant director of productions for Berkshire Theatre.
Inside the theatre, a large ‘Welcome Home Jake’ banner covered a wall and a Christmas tree was filled with Galliher’s photos. Outside, the building shined in U.S. Air Force colors and people, including Rose, filled the sidewalk. Rose told Western Mass News that his son played football with Galliher when they both attended Taconic High School.
“Jake, overall, was a great person. He had a vibrant spirit,” Rose added.
The Osprey crashed on Nov. 29 during a training mission in southwestern Japan while on its way to Okinawa.
Of the eight crew members, Galliher’s remains were the first to be found.
His family issued a statement earlier this month saying it was in mourning and asking for privacy and prayers.
“Jacob was an incredible son, brother, husband, father and friend to so many. His short life touched and made better the lives of hundreds, if not thousands in Pittsfield, in this region and everywhere he served,” the family said. “Jacob lived to serve his family, his country and the people he loved.”
Galliher’s wake will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Agnes Church in Dalton. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, also at St. Agnes Church.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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