ATEC Remembers: Brian Haggerty (1962-2015)

On Sept. 27, Brian Haggerty died in a motorcycle accident on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was 52.
 
Brian’s long and distinguished aviation career began in the military. He served in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk Helicopter mechanic, crew chief, technical inspector and squad leader. His many tours of duty included the first gulf war and earned him numerous individual and unit citations and decorations.
 
Upon his retirement from active service in 2001 as a sergeant first class, Haggerty worked in a variety of civil aviation and defense contracting roles before landing at Helicopter Association International (HAI) as deputy director of flight operations. During his tenure at HAI, Haggerty proved an invaluable ally to the ATEC community. He provided coordination, resources and assistance across a broad range of topics and was particularly helpful with veterans’ transition issues. He left HAI in 2015 to pursue his “semi-retirement” dream of island life. He had purchased and was operating an automobile repair shop on St. Croix. 
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“Brian was a great supporter of ATEC and the organization’s initiatives,” said Amy Kienast, the council’s vice president and chair of its conference committee. “He had a chance to participate in two annual conferences and was excited to serve as liaison between ATEC and HAI.  He will be missed by the AMTS family and the aviation community.”
 
As Haggerty’s family copes with this sudden loss, ATEC members can help. In lieu of flowers, the Haggerty family has asked for contributions to a college fund established for his son, Troy. For more information and to support the Troy Haggerty College Fund please visit: https://www.youcaring.com/troy-haggerty-455463.
 
Upon hearing the news of Haggerty’s passing, ATEC President Ryan Goertzen remembered him as a true friend and advocate for the council: “Brian's passion for aviation and support of ATEC fostered our initial relationship with HAI. With his help, that bond grew so significantly that the board now holds its fall industry day at HAI's headquarters just outside Washington, D.C. Brian was a fixture at council events and provided leading insight to our educational community. His energetic spirt and willingness to help others will be greatly missed.”
 
Service and interment arrangements are being made at Arlington National Cemetery. For schedule information, visit: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals.