Sheriff & Mrs. Austin Garrett Attend the Military Funeral for Marine CWO5 Pete “Wheeler” O’Hare at Arlington National Cemetery

Washington, D.C. - This morning, Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett and his wife Pam traveled to our Nation’s capitol to honor and attend the funeral and memorial service of their longtime family friend, U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 5, Pete “Wheeler” O’Hare. CWO5 Pete O’Hare was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. They joined his wife Susan, two daughters, Savannah and Hanna, as well as their family and friends and military personnel from around the Nation.

Pete passed away on June 13, 2023 while being treated at the Fred Still Burn Unit ICU in Augusta, Georgia, after a tragic incident that occurred in Hamilton County. For many Chattanoogans, particularly those associated with our aviation community, Pete O’Hare was a man of many, extraordinary talents and exceptional character.

“Pete was a U.S. Marine who retired after 33 years of dedicated and honorable service to our country. As a Marine aviator, he flew some of our Nation’s most elite fighter jets. His love of aviation led him to found the Hixson Museum of Flight in Hamilton County, now co-located in Rome, Georgia, which has helped bring the history and world of aviation he loved so dearly to our community. However, despite his many accolades and accomplishments, to Pam and I, Pete was our friend. We were truly honored to join his family and friends at this morning’s beautiful tribute as he was interred at Arlington National Cemetery,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.

For more information on the Museum of Flight or the life of Pete “Wheeler” O’Hare, please visit: https://mofts.org/