On September 11th, 2001, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Officer Richard J. Guadagno was returning to his new home and his beloved dog, Raven, after visiting family and celebrating his grandmother's 100th birthday. Shortly after departure, United Flight 93 was hijacked by terrorists. As a trained law enforcement officer, he joined his fellow passengers in resisting the terrorists causing the aircraft to crash into the Pennsylvania countryside. This act of heroism saved many lives and prevented the possible destruction of the nation's Capitol, the White House or other symbols of freedom and democracy.

Brief Bio:

Richard J. Guadango, after graduating from Rutgers University, devoted his life to the preservation of wildlife and the environment. Shortly after graduation, Rich began his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During his distinguished seventeen year career he served as a biologist, wildlife inspector and refuge manager. His last position was Project Leader of the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge in northern California. Rich supervised the construction of the new visitors center at the refuge and for his dedication to the project, Congress passed legislation, which was signed into law by President George Bush, naming the center the "Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center".

Rich was also honored posthumously with the Department of Interior's Valor Award, presented for unusual courage involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of danger. In describing Rich, Interior Secretary Gale Norton said, "He was a brave, resourceful and dedicated federal employee and we wish to honor his example and his memory."

Upon arrival at the United Flight 93 National Memorial, National Park Service Staff will provide a program on the events that lead to the tragic loss of Flight 93. Immediately following is the NAWEOA 2010 Torch Run which will start at ground zero of the crash. The course will run through the park grounds in honor and memory of the brave American heroes of that tragic day. Following the Torch Run, there will be a ceremony dedicating Pennsylvania Game Lands 93 to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Officer Richard Guadagno.

Following this day of remembrance, there will be an a relaxing barbeque on site..

For additional information on United Flight 93 National Memorial please visit: www.nps.gov/flni

Captain Jason M. Dahl

First Officer LeRoy Homer

Lorraine G. Bay

Sandra Bradshaw

Wanda Anita Green

Cee Cee Lyles

Deborah Welsh

Christian Adams

Todd Beamer

Alan Anthony Beaven

Mark Bingham

Deora Frances Bodley

Marion R. Britton

Thomas E. Burnett, Jr.

William Joesph Cashman

Georgine Rose Corrigan

Patricia Cushing

Joesph DeLuca

Patrick Joesph Discoll

Edward P. Felt

Jane Folger

Colleen Fraser

Andrew Garcia

Jeremy Glick

Lauren Catuzzi Gandcolas

Donald Freeman Greene

Linda Gronlund

Kristin White Gould

Richard Guadagno

Toshiya Kuge

Hilda Marcin

Waleska Martinez

Nicole Carol Miller

Louis J. Nacke, II

Donald Peterson

Jean Hoadley Peterson

Mark Rothenberg

Christine Snyder

John Talignani

Elizabeth Waino