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Fallen Santa Clarita Thunderbirds Pilot Receives Memorial, Full Military Honors

A memorial service was held Sunday for the fallen Santa Clarita Thunderbirds Pilot Major Stephen ‘Cajun’ Del Bagno, who was killed in a crash during a routine demonstration and training flight in Nevada.


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The Major was described by his family and friends as compassionate, humble, hard working, selfless, approachable, optimistic, a devout Catholic and an all-around “good dude.”

A motorcade procession consisting of the Del Bagno family and Patriot Guard Riders, a volunteer organization dedicated to honoring fallen servicemen, began at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and made its way to Saugus High School for the memorial service.

Four fighter jets flew over the high school in missing man formation, a flight arrangement used to honor fallen servicemen.  

Several of Del Bagno’s brothers in arms and family members shared memories of their times with him to the large crowd.  

“When he wore that military uniform, he left (others) feeling more prideful and confident that our nation was being protected by the right people,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Del Bagno’s commanding officer.  

The pilot’s father recalled how his son had a passion for teaching kids about aviation, even volunteering regularly to return to Saugus High, the school he attended, during his time off to work with students who were considering joining the Air Force.

An Air Force chaplain spoke to the crowd about the Major’s impeccable attendance in church and his volunteer work as a church usher in Japan. He also mentioned that Del Bagno would frequently abstain from going out on Saturday nights in order to be rested for Sunday morning service.

Following a prayer led by the chaplain, the audience viewed a video put together by the Thunderbirds public affairs team featuring multiple members sharing their memories of “Cajun.”

Bill Dunn, uncle of Major Del Bagno, sang “Amazing Grace,” after which Lt. Col. Walsh led a role call, noting the absence of the fourth Thunderbirds pilot.

Following several other speakers, Air Force personnel conducted a 21-gun salute. A lone bugle player performed Taps.

At the end, in keeping with military tradition, American flags were presented to the family of the Santa Clarita Thunderbirds pilot.

Near the beginning of the memorial, the 34-year-old pilot’s sister read from his application letter to the Thunderbirds, where Del Bagno mentions an important lesson from his family.

“They taught me from an early age that I could do whatever I put my heart and soul into. And that no matter how bad something hurt, how painful the road, or how difficult the challenge, the journey was worth the sacrifice.”

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Fallen Santa Clarita Thunderbirds Pilot Receives Memorial, Full Military Honors

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