Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Shaw service salutes lost F-16 pilot

The Air Force F-16 pilot killed during a training exercise off the coast of South Carolina was remembered Thursday as a man who had a passion for flying.

Air Force officials said family and colleagues of Capt. Nicholas Giglio gathered at Shaw Air Force Base for a service that included the playing of Taps, the Air Force hymn and a roll call reading of the members of Giglio's 77th Fighter Squadron.

"We are Team Shaw, and when one is not with us, we are not complete," said Capt. Lane Campbell, the squadron's chaplain.

Squadron commander Lt. Col. Lance Kildron said great things were in store for Giglio, and his sister Carmen said his dream and passion was always to fly. Giglio died Oct. 15 in a midair collision with another F-16 fighter jet from Shaw during a nighttime exercise. The second pilot was able to land at Charleston Air Force Base.

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