SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The 156th Airlift Wing of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard conducted its second remembrance service Saturday in honor of the five crew and four Airmen deceased in the WC-130 accident that occurred Wednesday in Savannah, Georgia.
"It is important to take the time to reflect and internalize the difficult moments we are living," said the adjutant general of Puerto Rico, Brig. Gen. Isabelo Rivera."Together we will honor our heroes and remember the special moments we shared with them. We will watch over the families of our fallen Airmen and the family of the Puerto Rico National Guard."
Puerto Rico National Guard leadership addressed the audience while words and songs of reflection and hope were given by chaplains of the unit.
The names of the nine fallen Airmen are:
- Maj. José R. Román Rosado – Pilot – 18 years of service - from Manati, PR. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
- Maj. Carlos Pérez Serra – Navigator – 23 years of service - from Canóvanas, PR. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter.
- 1st Lt. David Albandoz – Co-Pilot – 16 years of service - from PR, recently residing in Madison, Alabama. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
- Senior Master Sgt. Jan Paravisini – Mechanic – 21 years of service - from Canóvanas, PR. He is survived by two daughters and son.
- Master Sgt. Jean Audriffred – 16 years of service - from Carolina, PR. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
- Master Sgt. Mario Braña – Flight Engineer – 17 years of service - from Bayamón, PR. He is survived by his mother and daughter.
- Master Sgt. Víctor Colón – 22 years of service - from Santa Isabel, PR. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
- Master Sgt. Eric Circuns – Loadmaster – 31 years of service - from Rio Grande, PR. He is survived by his wife, two step-daughters and son.
- Senior Airman Roberto Espada– three years of service - from Salinas, PR. He is survived by his grandmother.
The Puerto Ricco National Guard will continue to support the families for as long it takes.
“Taking care of our fallen Airmen’s families and loved ones is our top priority,” said the adjutant general of Puerto Rico, Brig. Gen. Isabelo Rivera. “We are fully supporting them and providing all the assistance and resources of the Puerto Rico National Guard during this difficult moment.”
The Puerto Rico Chapter of the American Red Cross has also been supporting the families since day one with mental health and spiritual care resources.
“For all of us at the Red Cross this a very mournful moment; on behalf of our employees and volunteers we offer our most sincere condolences to the families. Our support teams are working with the families by identifying their needs and providing all necessary support during this process,” said Lee Vanessa Feliciano, American Red Cross regional executive officer.