Major Elizabeth Kealey served in the Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot and weapons training instructor from 2005 to 2015 after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005. She deployed twice to Afghanistan with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Kealey died from injuries sustained in a helicopter crash while conducting routine flight operations.

Betsy was a great friend to so many of her classmates in high school, college and in the military. She was always hard working, supportive, friendly, and did what was right. Everyone she encountered had nothing but great things to say about her.

Classmate Even Altemus recalled, “I first got to know Betsy in high school at IN Area High School in IN, PA. Three other younger classmates wanted to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and she was always willing to answer our questions and mentor us when we needed guidance. She was such a high character person and had the respect of everyone at her high school, the Naval Academy, and from her fellow service members.”