~ 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.
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.
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