Linebacker might not play
Mourners paid respects Wednesday to an Air Force Academy graduate who died last week when his plane went missing during a training mission.
Nearly 1,000 showed up to honor Maj. Lucas “Gaza” Gruenther at a memorial service held at Aviano Air Base in Italy, according to an Air Force news release.
Gruenther, a pilot with the 31st Fighter Wing and a 2003 academy graduate, went missing Jan. 28 during a night training mission over the Adriatic Sea.
His body was discovered Jan. 31 by an Italian vessel that was aiding in the search effort.During his career, Gruenther spent more than 2,640 in the cockpit, including 400 combat hours, the Air Force said.
Gruenther, a California native, is survived by his wife, Cassy, and daughter, Serene.
He was posthumously promoted to major and received the Aerial Achievement Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
“He lived a life full of adventure and full of love,” Cassy Gruenther said during the service. “If he were here, he would challenge each and every one of you to go climb that mountain you’ve been waiting to climb. He would tell you to plan that trip you haven’t planned. He would tell you to call that friend you’ve been thinking about.
“And he would tell you to be sure to tell your loved ones you love them every day.”
A memorial service for Maj. Lucas Gruenther is held in a hangar on Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went down during a training mission on Jan. 28. Photo by U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz
The wife and mother-in-law of U.S. Air Force Maj. Lucas Gruenther speaks during a memorial service on Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. Approximately 1,000 people attended the memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his aircraft went do Photo by U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz
Romel Mathias, Mother of U.S. Air Force Maj. Lucas Gruenther, waves as a formation of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies overhead on Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. The flyover was part of a memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when h Photo by U.S. Air Foce photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver