Base to hold memorial tree dedication Published May 18, 2017 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Friends, family and former colleagues will gather here to remember three deceased former base employees during a tree dedication ceremony at Hanscom Heroes Memorial Park June 16 at 10 a.m. Bronze plaques will display the names of Dana E. Kirane, Dennis Guthrie and retired Tech. Sgt. John Raynes at the foot of three recently-planted trees in the park, located near the base clinic. “During this ceremony and tree dedication, members of Team Hanscom are invited to come together to remember three former employees who contributed so much to the mission at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Bobby Jacques, 66th Air Base Group Executive Services chief. Hanscom Heroes Memorial Park, which opened in 1991, recognizes late members of the Hanscom community. With the dedication next month, the park will then have 71 trees dedicated to former Hanscom personnel. According to Jacques, base officials dedicate up to three trees annually for former employees who have made a significant impact at the base. He spoke about how the tree dedication provides newer employees an opportunity to learn a little about the former employees. “I hope that we get more young people to come to this year’s ceremony,” Jacques said. “Maybe you didn’t know these three people; however, by attending you’ll be honoring their memory, as well as their contributions to the installation.” Dana E. Kirane Kirane was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1951. She worked at Hanscom from 1973 to 2006 as a financial services officer. “It’s nearly impossible to speak to anyone who worked with Dana and not hear the phrase, ‘She took me under her wing,’” said Alicia Tillman, Battle Management Theater Battle Control Division chief financial officer. “Whether these people are still working here at Hanscom or not would be inconsequential to Dana as long as she knew their time with her led them to achieving happiness and success in their life.” Dennis Guthrie Guthrie was born in Ayer, Mass., in 1943. He worked for the 66th Civil Engineering Division as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician. “Mr. Guthrie was a Navy veteran and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam,” said Michael Savoie, CE HVAC lead. “He enjoyed spending time with his family while relaxing outdoors.” Retired Tech. Sgt. John Raynes Raynes was born in nearby Salem, Mass., in 1962. During his tenure at Hanscom, he worked for Security Forces, Public Affairs and Civil Engineering. “A strong family military tradition made John's career choice obvious - serving our nation,” said Steve O’Neil, an imaging specialist with C3I and Networks, who supervised Raynes when they worked together in the 1990s. “As a base photographer, John's enthusiasm, creativity and photographic mastery made him highly sought after by senior leadership and his products were always second to none.” For further information on this event, call Jacques at 781-225-1333.