Edward Joseph McGovern

McGOVERN - Edward Joseph, (United States Air Force Major, Retired) passed away while serving his country in Afghanistan on December 6, 2009. He was born on March 31, 1962, and was the beloved son of Edward C. and Joan McGovern, formerly of Stony Brook, now living in Charlottesville, VA. Edward graduated from St. Anthony High School in Smithtown, N. Y., and from the United States Air Force Academy in 1985. While serving in the Air Force he logged over 4000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft. He amassed over 460 combat hours flying U-2 reconnaissance missions in multiple theaters, including seven tours as a deployed operations officer and three tours as a deployed squadron commander. He was awarded the Air Medal twice in his career and Bronze Star for meritorious service as a combat commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ed retired after 20 years in the Air Force and continued serving his country by working for a majr defense contractor supporting the best interests of the United States government in helping fulfill our national security objectives throughout the world. He was on such a mission in Afghanistan at the time of his death. He is survived by his parents, a brother, Jon McGovern, and three sisters, Susan Butler, Karyn Kadar and Patricia McGovern. Edward is also survived by two brothers- in-law; Lt. Col. John D. Butler and Ken Kadar and a sister-in-law, Maryanne McGovern. He will be missed by two nieces, Erin Delaney Butler and Mia Joan Kadar, and three nephews, Sean Edward Butler, Harrison Edward McGovern and Orion Jacob Kadar and a very special friend, Miss Penny Brundege. A private wake and viewing was held for immediate family and friends who were present in Dover, DE, when his remains were returned to the US. A Funeral with full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, after a Catholic Mass in the Old Posthapel on Ft. Myers at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.The family asks that donations in remembrance of Edward J. McGovern be made to the Veterans airlift Command, Suite 700, 5775 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416, 952-582-2911, or on their website at www.veteransairlift.org.