The nation stood still when a midair collision near Reagan National Airport caused the death of 67 people on January 29, 2025. One of the first victims recovered was Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara, the crew chief from the Blackhawk helicopter. Former Marine and probationary firefighter Sean Wathen felt a connection to the fallen soldier. FF Wathen had recently separated from the Marine Corps. The firefighter stood vigil, guarding the remains of Staff Sgt. O’Hara until the military arrived to take him home.
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The collision of an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter occurred over the Potomac River. Over the next several days, recovery operations were underway to locate the passengers and return their remains to family.
The rookie firefighter opted to stand vigil over the soldier’s remains because that’s what Marines do. They have a policy of “No man left behind.” FF Wathen felt it was his duty, and his honor, to watch over Staff Sgt. O’Hara. He remained “on post” for four hours to ensure a dignified transfer of the remains to military personnel.
The concept of “No man left behind” is part of the Soldier’s Creed, which states, “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” The creed is found in various formats within all branches of the military. When FF Wathen saw Staff Sgt. O’Hara’s flight suit, his instincts took over, and he decided not to leave the soldier’s side. The instinct is an ingrained response for any person who has served in the military.
Honoring our fallen military members is a practice we should never stop. Whether they perish in service or long after, these heroes have earned our respect.
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