Several residents in Southwick came out early Saturday morning to honor Tanner Brach. (Photo courtesy of Tom Krutka)
SOUTHWICK –Numerous residents gathered throughout the town of Southwick early on Saturday morning to honor and welcome home a fellow Southwick resident who died unexpectedly.
Tanner Brach, who was 24-years-old and a member of the U.S. Navy, passed away recently while serving on the U.S. Naval Base in San Diego. About a month ago, Brach returned to the United States, after being in Japan, aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier.
Residents were not only honoring Brach, but waiting for him to return home to Southwick. At around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Brach’s body was flown in a casket from California that arrived at Bradley International Airport.
Once the plane landed at Bradley, it was described as a scene that will never be forgotten. Tom Krutka, who is a Sergeant at the Southwick Police Department, had known Brach for years and helped mentor the young man at one point in his life. Krutka explained how the Connecticut State Police, fire and rescue crews from the airport, and as well as airport employees were all present to honor Brach.
“It was amazing, everything stopped,” said Krutka. “It was really overwhelming.”
When the Southwick Police and Fire escorted Brach through Southwick, people were seen waving flags and showing their support. Members of the community were seen throughout the town and along College Hwy up to Southwick Forastiere, where services for Brach will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sgt. Krutka mentioned the significance of what Brach did in his short life.
“Not only was he a hometown boy, he dedicated the last five years of his life serving his country,” said Krutka.
Dave Sutton, who is the founder of the One Call Away Foundation, and also a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Patriot Guide Riders, didn’t know Brach personally but knew that he had to attend the welcome home ceremony in order to show the proper respect.
“I’ve heard a lot of great things about this young man,” said Sutton. “Anytime we lose a veteran, it’s a sad state of events, I wanted to show honor.”
