[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.