Airm
en from Aviano AB, Italy, and members of the local Santa Lucia di Piave communities gathered Nov. 8 on the one-year anniversary of an Army Black Hawk helicopter crash southwest of the base to dedicate a memorial to the crash victims. Four airmen and two Army aircrew members died in the mishap, which occurred along the Piave River. “Today, we mark the one-year anniversary of our loss and pause to remember the sacrifices these men and their families made for their country,” said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, commander of Aviano’s 31st Fighter Wing. The five crash survivors and family members of the deceased made a private visit to the memorial, designed by artist Sonia Tadiotto, prior to the main ceremony that day. During the ceremony, Italians from Piave who fought in World War I were also honored. (Aviano report by SSgt. Lindsey Maurice)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…

