[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 64 (Thursday, April 19, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2300-S2301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        Major Stephen Del Bagno

  Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today, I rise to honor Maj. Stephen Del 
Bagno, a U.S. Thunderbird pilot who was killed on April 4, 2018, when 
his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at the Nevada Test and Training Range, 
which is north of Nellis Air Face Base. At just 34, Major Del Bagno's 
life was cut too short, but his legacy of leadership, commitment to 
excellence, and service to our country will be preserved by all those 
who had the privilege of knowing him.
  I wish to begin by saying that my wife Lynne and I offer our deepest 
condolences to Major Del Bagno's family and loved ones. We join the 
Thunderbirds, Nellis Air Force Base, and the Nevada community in 
mourning this heavy loss.
  Major Del Bagno grew up in Valencia, CA, and he graduated from Utah 
Valley State University. He received his commission when he graduated 
from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in 2007.
  Called ``Cajun'' by his team, he was in his first season with the 
Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds are also known as America's Ambassadors 
in Blue. They are an elite team of highly experienced fighter pilots. 
In fact, only 325 officers have had the honor of wearing the 
distinguished Thunderbird patch. They are the best of the best.
  In June of 2017, Nellis Air Force Base announced that Major Del Bagno 
was the first F-35 pilot to serve with the Thunderbirds. He served as 
the team's slot pilot and flew Thunderbird 4. Brigadier General 
Leavitt, commander of the 57th Nellis Air Force Base, called Major Del 
Bagno an integral part of that team.

[[Page S2301]]

  Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Major Del Bagno was a civilian 
flight instructor, he was a corporate pilot, he was a skywriter, and he 
was a banner tow pilot. According to the Thunderbirds, he logged more 
than 3,500 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft. That 
included 1,400 hours as an Air Force pilot.
  In his free time, he enjoyed snowboarding, he enjoyed water sports, 
and he enjoyed spending time with his family.
  Major Del Bagno was laid to rest on April 15, 2018, at a memorial 
service at his alma mater, Saugus High School, in Santa Clarita, CA. 
More than 1,000 people attended the memorial and joined together to 
commemorate his life--a true testament to his impact on the community. 
During the service, his friends, his family, and fellow wingmen offered 
loving tributes about his skill, his passion for aviation, and pride in 
being a member of the Air Force.
  Ilene Block, a former guidance counselor for the school, told a local 
television affiliate that Stephen was ``always giving back'' and said 
that he often visited the high school to talk to students about his 
love for flying. His name will soon be added to a wall of heroes at 
Saugus High School.
  Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, the Thunderbirds' commander, said that Major 
Del Bagno ``lived to fly and inspire the next generation.'' He also 
said that he will be remembered ``as a talented fighter pilot and a 
great friend.''
  Selfless, driven, caring, mentor, an inspiration, a big dude with an 
even bigger heart, brother--those are the words that Major Del Bagno's 
fellow Thunderbirds used to describe him.
  In a video tribute from the Thunderbirds, one said:

       Cajun--you had this way of immediately making people feel 
     special, interesting, and included. The world needs more of 
     that. And now, your memory is going to inspire all of us to 
     be a little bit more like you. And hopefully we'll make you 
     proud. We miss you and love you.

  The loss of Major Del Bagno is an enormous tragedy that has struck 
the heart of the Thunderbirds, Nellis Air Force Base, and every life 
that he touched.
  Major Del Bagno's death is a reminder that we are all forever 
indebted to the men and women who answer the call to serve this country 
and stand guard, training and preparing each day for when duty calls.
  It is a reminder of what they give up and what they risk when they 
bravely step up to the plate so that we can remain an extraordinary and 
free nation.
  It is also a reminder of the families, like the Del Bagnos, who have 
lost a loved one and paid a price beyond measure. They deserve our 
lasting support.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of 
Major Del Bagno and his unbounded determination that set him apart. 
These are the people whose characters embody the American spirit, the 
people who truly humble us and inspire us through their unwavering 
commitment, the people who represent the very best that this country 
has to offer.
  I close with this. In a video honoring Major Del Bagno's memory, the 
Thunderbirds talked about how he would spend time teaching kids about 
flying as a Thunderbird. They said he chose to share his passion with 
kids. In that same video, there was footage of Major Del Bagno 
responding to a question about advice for kids who want to be pilots in 
the Air Force. He talked about the five P's of success. This is what he 
said:

       Find your passion. Find your purpose. Be persistent in your 
     pursuit. Be personable . . . so humble, credible, and 
     approachable. And then it'll pay off. People are going to 
     tell you ``no'' along the way--it's just a test of your 
     resolve. If you really want it, go out and make that known.

  I am confident that Major Del Bagno's legacy will inspire the next 
generation of fighter pilots, as well as Nevadans and Americans around 
the country, for decades to come.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.