Loved ones honor New Jersey man killed helping civilians in Ukraine

BORDENTOWN, N.J. (CBS) — A memorial was held Sunday for a New Jersey man who died whereas serving to civilians in Ukraine. 

Pete Reed’s hometown gathered in entrance of the veterans memorial in Bordentown, New Jersey, following his tragic demise to honor his life and legacy. 

Reed’s mom and brother had been surrounded by those that shared heartfelt reminiscences of him. 

“I hope they will really feel some sort of delight for the person that Pete grew to become and the half that they performed in making him the person that he was,” Greg Rosen, Reed’s childhood pal, mentioned.

“He simply made you’re feeling like his finest pal, all the time,” Nick Dekovitch, one other childhood pal of Reed’s, mentioned.  

Reed was working for the humanitarian group, International Outreach Docs USA. In keeping with the group, on Feb. 2 Reed was aiding within the evacuation of Ukrainian civilians when his medical car was hit with a missile in jap Ukraine. 

“He actually was a real hero,” Meghan McDonald, one other pal of Reed’s, mentioned.  

The information left his childhood pals completely heartbroken. 

“The day went to a lifeless cease. Yeah, my coronary heart dropped,” Rosen mentioned.  

Reed was a 33-year-old Marine Corps veteran who served two deployments in Afghanistan. 

In 2017, he based the humanitarian nonprofit, International Response Medication. 

McDonald knew him since preschool and says he stepped away from GRM to tackle a brand new mission in Ukraine. 

“We’re right here to assist others and to proceed to work collectively and assist these in want and Pete did that,” McDonald mentioned.  

From the Center East to Ukraine to proper right here in New Jersey, pals say Reed’s affect was worldwide they usually hope it evokes others to “Be like Pete.” 

“We need to get a plaque to have someplace within the metropolis the place he grew up so there’s a spot his household can go to,” McDonald mentioned.  

Towards the top of the ceremony, Reed’s household was honored with an American flag in his reminiscence.