Airmen pay tribute to fallen guardsman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Catharine Schmidt
  • 109th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y (AFPN) --  Thousands of people in uniform came together Sept. 11 in nearby Saratoga County to pay tribute to Master Sgt. Joseph Longobardo, a member of the 109th Security Forces Squadron here.

Sergeant Longobardo was laid to rest after tragically dying while on duty with the New York State Police. As part of the New York State Police Mobile Response Team, Sergeant Longobardo was participating in the manhunt for fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips, wanted for the recent attempted murder of another New York State trooper. Sergeant Longobardo was shot Aug. 31 and died from his injuries Sept. 3.

About 100 Air National Guardsmen with the 109th Airlift Wing here joined state police and other military members to say goodbye to the man described as dedicated and professional. Among guests there to pay their respects were Gov. George Pataki, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, U.S. Rep. John Sweeney and senior leaders here.

Sergeant Longobardo was a New York State Trooper for eight years, earning numerous commendations for his investigations and arrests. He was named Trooper of the Year in 2004. He joined the 109th Airlift Wing in November 1997, and before that was a Marine for more than four years. During his time with the 109th, Sergeant Longobardo supported operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle and also was a member of the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Phoenix Ravens, a unit that responds to critical incidents worldwide.

"He was not reckless, he lived for living," said Maj. Anna Villanueva, 109th SFS commander. "And even though there will be somber moments during this funeral, if we remember him as the man he was, the friend we knew, it'll be easy to smile.

"He died doing what he loved to do," she said.

Fellow security forces member and Raven, Tech. Sgt. Gary Brown, agreed.

"If he had known what was going to happen to him that day, he still would have gone out there. That's the kind of guy he was," said Sergeant Brown, who was also a pallbearer at the funeral.

Thousands arrived at St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church for the service, while several servicemembers listened from outside while standing at attention

At the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, even more people came to pay their respects. Groups of uniformed men and women stood in formation for the burial ceremony. Along with a rifle salute, a formation of New York State Police helicopters paid their respect from the sky, followed by a 109th AW LC-130 Hercules.

"It was fitting (that) Joe was laid to rest on 9/11 because, apart from being a great father, son and Airman, above all, Joe was a patriot and a great American," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Kovarovic, who worked with him as a New York State Trooper and fellow guardsman.

Senior leaders said the representation of the Airmen at the funeral was phenomenal.

"What a testimony to Joe," said Chief Master Sgt. Charlie Lucia, 109th AW command chief master sergeant. "Everyone looked over and saw a sea of blue."

"The Air National Guard stuck out in the crowd and gave the respect to Sergeant Longobardo and his family he most definitely deserved," said Master Sgt. Scott Hansen, 139th Airlift Squadron first sergeant.

The camaraderie between the Airmen and state police also was evident. Along with Sergeant Longobardo, other 109th AW Airmen work as New York State Troopers.

"It was great these guys got to be there in both capacities," Chief Lucia said. "That's just the Guard. Thanks to the state police for being so courteous and receptive to us."

"The aircrew (flying over) was great," Chief Lucia said. "They were out there at the perfect moment and tipped the wing right above the casket. (Sergeant Longobardo's family) was very impressed."

Sergeant Longobardo's fellow security forces Airmen said he would have been surprised about everything going on around the base because of his death, describing him as very humble.

"Humble" was just one of the many words offered by some to describe Sergeant Longobardo, who was also a husband and father. Airmen remembered him as one of the best in his unit. With his uniform always looking sharp, Sergeant Longobardo went above and beyond of what was expected of him.

"He was always the first one to raise his hand to go somewhere," Sergeant Brown said. "Whether it was a deployment tasking or volunteer work. He was also someone you wanted to deploy with."

"Joe had a positive impact on everyone he worked with," said Master Sgt. Kathleen Pritchard, also of the 109th SFS.

"Just having him on your team gave you confidence," said Master Sgt. Kelly Eustis, 109th SFS flight sergeant.

All of his co-workers agreed that Sergeant Longobardo was an Airman who led by example and someone who everyone looked up to.

"(My) being the new, young guy here, he was the one to look up to. He was one of the strongest guys, both physically and mentally," said 2nd Lt. Bradley Mesh. "He was a role model."

People all over the state continue to mourn the loss of Sergeant Longobardo, and 109th Airlift Wing Airmen are no different.

"The 109th Airlift Wing is a close-knit family and the loss of one of our own affects all of us," said Col. Anthony German, 109th AW commander. "A tragedy of this type is felt by each and every member. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Longobardo. He will be missed but not forgotten for the valuable contributions he has made to the state and his country."

Editor's Note: New York State troopers caught Ralph "Bucky" Phillips on Sept. 7.