Community Corner

Coast Guardsmen Bruckenthal Remembered

Coast Guard Station Eaton's Neck remembered a fellow guardsman who was killed in action in 2004.

memorialized Nathan Bruckenthal Friday in a ceremony to commemorate the seventh anniversary of his death.

Bruckenthal, 24, son of Police Department Chief Ric Bruckenthal, was killed in action on April 24, 2004 while on patrol conducting maritime intercept operations at the Khawr Al Amay Oil Terminal off the coast of Iraq.

At Friday's ceremony, Seaman Apprentice Ashley Kay and Seaman Karie Anderson read Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal's biography.

Chief Bruckenthal expressed his appreciation and admiration of the Coast Guard during the ceremony, as well.

Also killed with Bruckenthal were two United States Navy saiors, Michael Pernaseslli and Christopher Watts.

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Upon Bruckenthal's death, the United States Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, issued a release that read, in part, that, "Bruckenthal was a proud Coast Guardsman who served his country and his fellow man with honor and compassion. He wilingly entered in to harm's way to protect our nation and his fellow servicemen from terrorists and to assist the peopel of Iraq as they pursue freedom and Democracy. By his actions, he exemplified honor, respect and most especially, devotion to duty. We should never forget his sacrifices or the legacy he will leave behind."

When he died, his wife Patty was pregnant with daughter Harper.

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He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery May 7, 2004.

Nathan has been memorialized in many ways in the years since his death. A memorial dedicated to him is located in front of the Northport Fire Department; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary named a patrol boat "Bruckenthal," and Coast Guard Station Eaton's Neck named its canine mascot, a black Labrador, Nate.


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