News>1,000 supporters pay respects during memorial service for fallen pilot
Photos
A memorial service for Maj. Lucas Gruenther is held in a hangar at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the service for Gruenther, who past away when his F-16 went down over the Adriatic Sea Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver)
The officer rank of major and two medals, displayed here, were given to U.S. Air Force Maj. Lucas Gruenther's wife during a memorial service in his honor at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went down during a training mission on Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)
Maj. Lucas Gruenther's aircraft was displayed during a memorial service in his honor at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went down during a training mission on Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Lucas Gruenther's family smiles during a video at a memorial service in the major's honor at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went down during a training mission on Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)
The wife and mother-in-law of U.S. Air Force Maj. Lucas Gruenther speak during a memorial service at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went down during a training mission on Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)
Family members of U.S. Air Force Maj. Lucas Gruenther pray during a memorial service at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went down during a training mission on Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)
Lt. Col. John Peterson, 555th Fighter Squadron commander and members of the 555th FS salute during a memorial service at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Maj. Lucas Gruenther, who past away when his F-16 went down over the Adriatic Sea Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)
Master Sgt. Tim Allums, United States Air Forces in Europe bandsman, plays taps during a memorial service for Maj. Lucas Gruenther at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who past away when his F-16 went down over the Adriatic Sea Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver)
Romel Mathias, (far right), mother of Maj. Lucas Gruenther, waves as an F-16 Fighting Falcon formation flies overhead at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb.6, 2013. The flyover was part of a memorial service for Gruenther, who past away when his F-16 went down during a training mission Jan. 28. (U.S. Air Foce photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver)
by Senior Airman Jessica Hines
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
2/6/2013 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Airmen, civilians, family and friends honored the life and memory of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and combat veteran, Maj. Lucas "Gaza" Gruenther, during a memorial service here Feb. 6.
The 31st Fighter Wing aviator went missing during a nighttime training mission over the Adriatic Sea Jan. 28. In the days that followed, Italian and U.S. authorities collaborated on an immense search effort to locate Gruenther. The search ended Jan. 31 when Gruenther's body was recovered by an Italian vessel.
During the memorial service, many people spoke of Gruenther's inspiring nature and enthusiastic spirit, recalling his selfless and admirable qualities that he exemplified everyday.
"Nothing I can say can put the emotional stress on the life and the hope and the ambition that he has given everyone he's known," said Maj. Travis Winslow, 555th Fighter Squadron pilot. "He is the quintessential role model."
A California native, Gruenther, 32, is survived by his wife Cassy and daughter Serene. He also leaves behind an inspiring body of accomplishments, many of which were shared before a crowd of about 1,000 supporters from around the Air Force and Italian communities who came to pay their respects.
"He'd want nothing more than for us to get together (and) celebrate his life," said Capt. Nicholas Krajicek, 555th FS pilot. "I think we can offer Gaza no greater tribute than to look at his life and just be inspired."
One of Gruenther's many aspirations was to become a flight commander in his home squadron, the "Triple Nickel." Lt. Col. John Peterson, 555th FS commander, explained how Gaza had been selected not only to be a flight commander, but an instructor pilot as well; however, he never had the chance to perform the role.
"Even though Gaza did not become an instructor pilot in the Triple Nickel, he sure did teach us a lot, and even though he didn't become or hold the position or title of flight commander in the Triple Nickel," said Peterson, "he was a flight commander of life."
Among his many achievements, Gruenther completed more than 2,640 hours of flying time to include 400 combat hours. He taught himself Italian, which he used to help cultivate bonds between the Americans and Italians living in his community.
In a recent interview, Gruenther described his enthusiasm for Italy, "I love being a part of the Italian culture. The more time I spend in Italy, the more I realize how much this region and its residents have to offer."
Recently, Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, approved the posthumous promotion of Gruenther to major, as he was selected for promotion during the December 2011 promotion board.
During the ceremony, Gruenther's wife was presented two medals on the major's behalf. The Aerial Achievement Medal was awarded for efforts during Gruenther's deployment to Afghanistan, where he performed 17 Operation Enduring Freedom combat missions. The Meritorious Service Medal was also presented for distinguished service as 31st FW chief of flight safety and as 555th FS assistant chief of training.
"He was clearly a special man, just take a look around," said Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st FW commander as he gestured to the brimming hangar. "He was a professional Air Force officer and a wonderful human being.
"As wing commander I must thank the hundreds and thousands of Italians and Americans involved in the intensive search and rescue that took place last week," Zobrist continued. "It was one of the most impressive search and rescue efforts I've ever seen. I know Gaza would be proud of the relationship between Italy and America, and he was a part of that."
"He lived a live full of adventure and full of love," his wife said. "If he were here, he would challenge each and every one of you to go climb that mountain you've been waiting to climb, he would tell you to plan that trip you haven't planned, he would tell you to call that friend you've been thinking about, and he would tell you to be sure to tell your loved ones you love them every day.
"So I challenge you now, for him, and in his memory," she concluded.
"As per usual, life is good," - Maj. Lucas "Gaza" Gruenther.
Comments
2/7/2013 4:24:07 PM ET Perfectly written article. Thank you Senior Airman Jessica Hines for honoring a great person with your wonderful words.
The Butler Family, Collinsville IL
2/7/2013 12:00:00 PM ET As we honor your service and sacrifice May God Bless You and Your Family.
Gary Brooks, McAlester OK
2/6/2013 8:52:17 PM ET Wonderfully written article - love to Luc's family from Austin TX