Memorial service honors fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN Air Force Base, Fla. --  Maj. Garrett Knowlan lived his life with honor, for God, his family and his country.

A devoted family man, an infectious smile and an outstanding officer were just a few phrases used to describe the major at a memorial service on Eglin's flightline Nov. 5. Knowlan died Oct. 11 while participating in Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. The memorial service brought family, friends and co-workers together to say their final good-byes.

The chaplain prayed for comfort, his superiors asked for remembrance, and his church pastor hoped for understanding of the loss. Each speaker related personal stories attesting to Knowlan's character. 96th Test Wing vice commander, Col. Michael Contratto, crossed paths with Knowlan while an instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School in 2010 and then again when Knowlan was selected as the first executive officer for the newly reorganized wing. He spoke of his incredible aptitude as an engineer and as an officer.

"He would take on a task and go above and beyond any expectation," Contratto said. "He had the aptitude to become the Chief of Staff of the Air Force but would respectfully decline in order to spend time with his family."

After graduating Test Pilot School, Knowlan joined the 413th Flight Test Squadron as a flight commander. Current commander, Lt. Col. Darrin Hoenle, said Knowlan touched everyone personally and professionally.

"He enabled Special Operations forces and combat search and rescue forces to perform their mission safely while protecting our nation," Hoenle said.

Col. Colin Miller was the 46th Test Wing command prior to the reorganization. He spoke of Knowlan's work within the wing, which included centralizing the wing's helicopters at Duke Field, an efficiency that maximized the use of space and increased helicopter developmental test programs, "a job for a colonel, not a captain."

"He simply was one of the finest men I've ever known," Miller said. "He was 110 percent dedicated to the mission, 110 percent dedicated to his family."

At the time of his death, Knowlan was serving as the executive officer for Brig. Gen. David Harris, the 96th Test Wing commander. Harris spoke of the impact of Knowlan's life, his dedication to the 9,000 personnel in the wing, and how his community was invested in his success while following his career. He asked those present to persevere.

"The best we can do is to remember our wingman--remember him as he lived, bring life and love and service to those who knew him and pride to our nation," Harris said. "We will always remember him, and we will value his story--the story of excellence and bravery, the quintessential American story. We can find some measure of relief only in our conviction that you, who helped others fly safe and strong, are now yourself safe and strong in our Heavenly Father's promise of eternal life."

Knowlan's wife, Megan, poignantly spoke of their life together, at first resisting a relationship since it meant leaving her home in Dayton, Ohio. One week later, she agreed to move to California because of his devotion to his faith.

"I never questioned his priorities, I knew from his actions it was God first, then me and the boys, and then everything else," Megan said.

She went on to quote scriptures that held special meaning to both the Knowlans, talk about a long-lost bible found under the bed, and writings in his journal that give her, her sons, and family comfort.

Knowlan's family was posthumously presented with a Meritorious Service Medal. His test pilot school class also presented the family a flag flown over his burial in Jackson, Mo.
 
A Knowlan Family Memorial Fund has been established for his wife and two sons, Beckett and Levi. Donations can be made payable to the Knowlan Family Memorial fund, P.O. Box 363, Jackson, Mo. 63755.