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EUSTIS, Va. (6/18/2012) -- Joint Task Force-Civil Support dedicated
its headquarters building at Ft. Eustis June 14 in memory of U.S.
Army Capt. Michael Dermot Mullan, a reservist, emergency-room nurse
and decorated New York City firefighter. Mullen died while
attempting to rescue fellow firefighters following the collapse of
the first tower of the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks.
While serving as a member of the
department's Ladder 12, Mullan gave his life rescuing civilians and
firefighters trapped inside the Marriott Hotel, adjacent to the
North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. His heroics were
part of a pivotal event in American history, resulting in the
creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and changing the
landscape of disaster preparedness and civil support, paving the way
for the formation of JTF-CS.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen.
Jonathan Treacy, JTF-CS commander, joined Mullan's family, including
his mother Theresa and sister Kelly-Ann, as well Fire Department of
New York and local firefighters, and local civic and military
leaders to honor the captain's life and legacy during the ceremony.
"[Mullan] was dedicated to the job, to his mission and to
serving others," Treacy said in his remarks. "He was devoted to his
fellow firefighters and Service members, and he was driven to
helping others in the true sense of service before self.
"In other words, no one is more perfect to represent what Joint
Task Force-Civil Support is all about."
Fire Department of
New York Battalion Chief Tom McCarthy made the trip south for the
dedication, presenting Treacy with a memorial firefighter's helmet
and a framed piece of steel from the site of the attacks on behalf
of city Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.
McCarthy, who
worked alongside Mullan, shared his fondest memories of the witty,
but dedicated firefighter.
"I'd be stretching the truth a bit if I said he was always
professional in his conduct. When there was down time, you could
always count on Mike's jokes, funny remarks and pranks. But when the
bells came in, he was all business," McCarthy said. "Mark Twain
said, 'humor is mankind's greatest blessing.' If this is true, Mike
blessed more people than the Pope."
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jonathan T.
Treacy, Joint Task Force-Civil Support commander, and Theresa Mullan,
ceremonially unveil the memorial plaque dedicating the JTF-CS
headquarters as “Mullen Hall,” in a ceremony at Fort Eustis, Va.,
June 14, 2012. The building is named in honor of Theresa's son, the
late U.S. Army Capt. Michael D. Mullan, a reservist, emergency-room
nurse and decorated New York City firefighter who died while
attempting to rescue fellow firefighters from the Marriott Hotel
adjacent to the World Trade Center towers during the terrorist
attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by USAF Senior Airman Wesley
Farnsworth |
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Perhaps most moving, Mullan's mother, Theresa Mullan, took to the
podium to reminisce on her son's myriad of accomplishments and
indefatigable character. She recalled her son at various stages of
his life, touching on the ambition he demonstrated even as a boy,
his career paths and the mischievousness he became beloved for.
"Happy is the man who is rich in good deeds, for he shall be
honored in life and remembered long after for his goodness," she
said, tears welling in her eyes as she closed her speech. "Thank you
for remembering my son."
Following a standing ovation from the crowd, she joined
Treacy to unveil the bronze plaque at the entrance to the
headquarters, officially re-opening the building as "Mullan Hall." |
Joint Task Force-Civil Support is the only standing Chemical,
Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, or CBRN, response joint task
force in the U.S. If called upon, JTF-CS provides command and
control of 5,200 federal military forces located at more than 36 locations throughout
the nation. Designed to provide a life-saving capability within 24
hours of notification, these federal military forces offer various
life-saving military assets, such as search and rescue and emergency
medical capabilities.
By USAF Senior Airman Jason Brown
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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