Liberty Wing Remembers Their Own

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christopher A. Campbell
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Team Liberty came together at the base chapel today to honor two Airmen who lost their lives in a car accident May 30.

Staff Sgt. Mark Stephany and Senior Airman Daniel Addabbo, both from the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, were killed when their vehicle collided with another vehicle on the A1101 near Icklingham.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Sergeant Stephany and Airman Addabbo," said Col. Jay Silveria, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "This loss is a significant one for their families, our Liberty Wing family, and the United States Air Force."

The memorial service consisted of Chaplains (Capt.) Joseph Fisher and (Maj.) Max B. Omana, both with the 48th Fighter Wing Chapel, reading scriptures. This was followed by Lt. Col. Matthew Finnegan, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, reciting a poem called the, "Forgotten Mechanic", and speaking about the type of men both Sergeant Stephany and Airman Addabbo were on and off duty.

"So when you see the mighty jet aircraft as they mark their way through the air, remember the grease-stained man with the wrench in his hand, these two airmen helped put them there," said Colonel Finnegan, personalizing the ending of the poem to fit this occasion. He went on to say, "Mark and Dan's greatest achievements were the friendships they formed and the lives that they touched, they did not make acquaintances but instead deep and lasting bonds."

Additionally, two crew chiefs and co-workers of Sergeant Stephany and Airman Addabbo spoke on what they will each remember most about the character of their friend.

"Ever the big kid, Mark was usually seen sitting with one of the many kids who called him 'Uncle Mark', playing a video game, getting in trouble for rough housing or destroying something with a toy," said Senior Airman Eric Burgess, 48th AMXS.

Senior Airman Adam Barron, also from the 48th AMXS, explained that, "Dabo was a person that I personally admired simply because he was a noble, honorable and charitable person. He would give you the shirt off his back, sometimes literally."

Further, both expressed how their fellow comrades were eager to tackle any job on the flightline or fix any aircraft to make sure the mission would not fail, and they will be sorely missed.

The ceremony concluded with a 21 gun salute and a bagpipe recording of the song, "Amazing Grace". Afterwards, unit members held a private ceremony on the flightline, giving them an opportunity to reflect on the loss of their fellow Airmen.

Undoubtedly, the loss of these Airmen leaves a hole in the 48th AMXS and this wing, as a whole, that will not be easily filled. The 48th Fighter Wing commander's words to local media earlier this week sums it up best.

"The Air Force is a close-knit family and the loss of one of our own affects us all," Colonel Silveria said. "We extend our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends whose lives these individuals touched. They served honorably, and we will not forget the valuable contributions they made and the impact they have left on the Air Force."