Will-full Memories

~ written by William Tua
Dave's dear friend

Dave!

David Alvarez, how much can I say of such a great man in such little time.

Many knew him as Dave; to his parents he was Davi; to fellow pilots in these past few years, he was called “B” with much affection; and for many years as a crew chief in the 160th, were he earned most of his war time decorations and was known very well, he was known as Nino. However you knew him, we all loved him the same.

Dave and I met about three and a half years ago, during our initial Warrant Officer training course at Ft. Rucker, AL. We both moved to Aviano, Italy after school on our first assignment, so we naturally stuck together. We found out that we were both Chinook crew chiefs during the same time and stationed in the same place twice (Ft. Campbell, KY. & Bagram, AF.) without even knowing each other. It was always amazing to me to see how our lives cross paths several times to eventually meet at a perfect time in both of our lives.

Dave really influenced my life in many ways. I thought of him as Mr. Detail. He would clean his truck so thoroughly that you might feel uncomfortable riding in it just to go for some lunch. His workout discipline was a motivation to me. He could do pull-ups like no one I had ever seen in my life. He would do about 25 pull-ups without giving a hint of struggle or any deep breathing and stop because he felt a little tired. Dave really did not like running but he would do it because knew he had to. He was always good enough to keep me striving for more.

Dave was a man of few words but much service. He was always the first person I would call if I needed anything and he never let me down. He was a guy that would rather sit back and take everything in around him than to be the center of attention. He was most comfortable when he was away somewhere spending time with his girls, Rachael (his wife), and Bella and Leah (his two dogs). You could often find this family of four spending quality time together. Only a privileged few knew of his "true identity". He was the original Beast Master. Any animal that met Dave always wanted to go home with him, especially my dog “Lola”.

I have many great memories of Dave but what I will treasure most was the many times we studied the Bible together. It all began over a year ago when Dave gave his life to the Lord. He told us about his decision during a men’s retreat in November 2006 and I few moths later I had the privilege to baptize him in the Santissima waters. It’s funny because I would share a verse with him and he had no eloquent words to say. He would either say “I don’t get it” or “HMM! I like that one." Dave was a very simple guy but had a great heart. It is amazing to me that the one I discipled will one day be teaching me of things in Heaven. As a very young boy, Dave told his mother, “Mom, I’m going to see Jesus in my lifetime.” And she said that she was sure he would and that is exactly where he is right now. I am thankful that I had this opportunity today to share with you a little about Dave and the joy he had loving Jesus Christ. Though we will miss Dave, I have peace in knowing that he is in a better place and that we will see each other one day on heaven’s shores. Until then, we love you Dave!

My Brother David

David became our baby brother when he was about 4 years old, I won't say how old I was. David was always quiet & shy but adapted to his new family quickly. I read in someone else's comments about David being a neat freak & keeping himself very groomed. He may have gotten some of that from our father Max who was a marine (need I say more?) David's room was always clean & toys always put back in their original boxes. His family has his childhood memories but David left home right after high school & we have very few memories of him becoming a man, officer, pilot, christian brother & husband. I am cherishing all of your memories of David, aren't I the luckiest sister in the world to have a brother like him!!! My heart aches for David, I want him back & I want the opportunity to know the man. I'm sure you can understand those feelings of wanting to wake up from this bad dream. But it is god's time with our brother & I have to say good-bye for now. Thank you David for being my brother, hero & now angel. I love you & we will be together again laughing & giggling & driving everyone else crazy. Your sister, Sherry

A Memorial Chronicle from Aviano

~ for family & friends who were unable to attend the Aviano, Italy memorial, Mrs. Kristina Carden shares a description with you.

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, in Hangar One at Aviano Air Base, Italy, a Joint Memorial Service was held in honor of Davidangelo F. Alvarez and the other 5 victims of the US Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crash on Thursday, November 8, 2007.

Hundreds of friends, families and military members gathered together to commemorate the lives of these individuals. Several distinguished guests from both the military community as well as the Italian community participated in this ceremony, including the commander of the Aviano Air Base, Brigadier General Craig Franklin and the Italian Base Commander Colonel Roberto Sardo. Also in attendance to warmly offer their condolences were the rescue teams who were the first responders to the crash site. In addition to the tributes presented by several of the military officials and chaplains, a eulogy was given for each of the lives that were lost.

Presenting in honor of Davidangelo F. Alvarez, CW2 William Tuavargas shared what a privilege it was to have known Dave Alvarez as a colleague and a friend. Yet he told of what an even greater joy it was to have known Dave as a fellow follower of Christ. William testified of the decision Dave made one year ago to live a life for Jesus Christ and to be baptized. He recounted their times spent reading and studying the Bible together. William expressed that although he grieves the loss of Dave, he does not grieve without hope, for he is confident that he will meet Dave again in heaven.

The Memorial Service included the Military Honors of the First Sergeants Roll Call, the 21-Gun Salute, and Taps. Upon the stage of the hangar, a portrait was displayed of each of the victims. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a folded flag was presented by the Honor Guard on the table in front of each photo. Arranged at the base of Dave’s photo were his combat boots, inverted rifle, dog tags and helmet. Guests were solemnly dismissed and invited to proceed in front of the photos. Several military coins and patches were bestowed upon each table.

David, How do I begin to tell the world the wonderful memories you have left me with. I don't know if you knew but your mom and I were friends before she became your dad's girl. The memories go way back. I did my college term paper for child development on you. It got me an A+. I remember when you pushed your grandmother back into her chair at the play of babes in toyland because you didn't want it to end. I remember the day you discovered that "Santa" was really your dad. You questioned everything from the time you could talk and you always demanded answers that were better than "because". I remember rushing you to the hospital only to find out the stain in your diaper was jello! You loved long walks with your grandpas kicking rocks. Quiet, expressionless, deep. Those are the words that come to mind to describe you. I will miss the way you'd chuckle when you were amuzed, the way you'd smile when we were trying to get you to show emotion or react to something. I will miss the little boy who would kick up legs and shout "pow". I will never forget the way you called me "dida". Forever I will be proud of the man you became and the exemplary life you lived full of passion, faith and accomplishment. I will forever be greatful for the opportunity to have been a part of your life. It was an honor to be your aunt. I feel incredibly special to have been loved by you. I loved you so much in this life, I pray you knew that. Watch over your beautiful Rachael, David. Know that you will be loved and missed until we can all be together again. Love, Aunt Juanita

I just want to express my deepest appreciation for everyone's thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Dave loved you all so very much and even though he was quiet and soft spoken, I want you to know that he talked of everyone he met thru his life to me and you were very special to him. I'm excited to hear about many of the stories and words that you have to honor Dave in his life and in his death. Thank you!

Last Flight of the Falco Nero

On Thursday, the 8th of November, while co-piloting an incentive flight for military personnel in his Blackhawk helicopter, our dear friend and hero Dave Alvarez was killed in the operation. Of the eleven passengers, five others also perished through the tragedy. The site of the crash was in the historic river-bed of the Piave located north of Treviso, Italy.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Rachael. He is also survived by his mother Nancy & step-dad Max Maxwell, his natural father David, his Grandma Grace, little sister Angelica, step-brother Mike Maxwell, 2 step-sisters Sherry Smith and Jodi Lamb, and lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In devotion and honor, we dedicate this site to Dave's memory and to recount his story. We invite you as family and friends to share your comments and condolences. You may also make a donation in Dave's memory to his favorite charity that cares for Croatian foster children.

In Italian, the Blackhawk is called Falco nero. And while Dave's last flight in Italy ended darkly, his memory is shared brightly among all who knew and loved him.