Telegraph photo by ADAM URQUHART Officials unload Capt. Ryan Phaneuf’s coffin at St. Kathryn’s Church in Hudson on Friday.

HUDSON – Services for U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Phaneuf will continue this morning with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial being celebrated at St. Kathryn’s Church, 4 Dracut Road.

Phaneuf lost his life in the Jan. 27 crash in Afghanistan of the Bombardier E-11A communications aircraft that he was co-piloting. Phaneuf graduated Alvirne High School in 2007, and was 30 when he died.

On Friday, he was escorted to St. Kathryn Church from Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home for his wake, which went from 1-8 p.m. Hudson police and fire officials transported Phaneuf to the church. Officials later could be seen unloading his coffin draped with the American flag.

During today’s Mass, Gov. Chris Sununu is scheduled to present the New Hampshire Medal of Honor to Phaneuf’s wife and parents.

“Captain Phaneuf made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to live freely,” Sununu said. “Captain Phaneuf was an American Hero, and the state of New Hampshire will always be grateful for his service.”

Officers will be assisting with parking again today as people enter the lot for the funeral. If the church parking lot is full, there will be overflow parking at BAE Systems, located at 65 River Road.

In the case overflow parking is needed, there will be a bus to shuttle mourners to the church until the church also reaches its capacity for the crowd inside. Once the church is at capacity, no one else will be admitted.

Phaneuf is scheduled to receive full military honors in a private burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on March 9, surrounded by family and friends.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.