EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It was a day of fond memories and togetherness for the Airmen of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 2 here Aug. 21.
The people of the small tenant unit came together to remember Capt. Tranay Tanner, their fallen member who passed away Aug. 17 from health complications after a PT test. The Celebration of Life ceremony brought together Tanner’s two families, her first family and her Air Force.
“Tranay not only loved her family, but she loved the United States Air Force,” said Gregory Tanner, her father. “She was such a proud member and served with honor each and every day.”
The event allowed Tanner’s friends, family and leadership to express love and remembrances of the 29-year-old Airman.
“She could brighten every room she walked into. Her smile was that infectious,” said Capt. Mary Snyder, a friend who worked with Tanner at Buckley AFB, Colorado. “There are just no words to encompass the power she brought, not only to the Air Force, but to the community she resided in. You could not be a stranger around her. She would seek you out, find you and help you bring your strength to light.”
“Tranay’s legacy is imprinted on everyone in this room,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Stevens, the Det. 2 commander. “Even though she wasn’t with us long, it felt like she had been part of our family for years.”
It was also an opportunity to present her family with her Air Force Commendation Medal.
Former 46th Test Wing commander, now AFOTEC Commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Brewer, presented the medals to Tanner’s mother and father.
“This opportunity to honor her means so much and we will hold it here close to our hearts,” said her father after the presentation.
The ceremony closed with attendees hearing from Tanner herself on video reciting a poem she wrote called “Something New.”
In memory of Tanner, the base flag was flown at half-staff Aug. 21.