Aviano Commemorates Black Hawk Crash

Airmen 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)