Late Thunderbird who flew during Melbourne air show honored with Florida Tech scholarship

Ten days after Maj. Stephen Del Bagno performed as U.S. Air Force Thunderbird #4 during last year's Melbourne Air & Space Show, he lost his life in a flight training crash in Nevada.

To memorialize him, the National Air, Sea & Space Foundation and Florida Institute of Technology have launched the $25,000 Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno Memorial Scholarship fund.

"Cajun flew here — and it was the only air show where he got to perform with the Thunderbirds," said Bryan Lilley, foundation chairman and air show organizer.

More:Thunderbirds pilot dies in aerial demonstration flight in Nevada

More:Fallen pilot honored with memorial on Melbourne airport ramp

"I was one of the only air show guys that really got to know him. I spent some time with him one evening. He touched so many people when he was here. And we wanted to find a way to remember him, and to remember that he flew here," Lilley said.

"He was such a dynamic person. He was so passionate about aviation. So we found this was a great way to partner up with FIT to carry on his memory — and be able to do something to help others that have that passion for aviation realize their dream, like Cajun did," he said.

Recipients of the Cajun Scholarship can use the funds for Florida Tech tuition or flight fees with the university's aviation program. What's more, Lilley said the university will match scholarship proceeds that are applied toward tuition. 

Del Bagno joined the Thunderbirds in fall 2017, and the squadron kicked off its show season in March 2018 at the Melbourne Air & Space Show. The show marked his lone Thunderbirds appearance.

The scholarship selection committee will include Del Bagno's parents, two sisters, his childhood best friend and his closest friend on the Thunderbirds.

Applicants must write an essay titled “Why I Want to Fly.”  Lilley said preference will be given to candidates who contact current or former pilots with the Thunderbirds, the 58th Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB.

"We are very humbled and grateful that you have chosen to honor Stephen. He was excited to be a part of a bigger purpose and share his passion for aviation with the world. This scholarship opportunity will allow him to do just that. Thank you for continuing his legacy," the Del Bagno family said in a statement. 

The National Air, Sea & Space Foundation organizes the annual Melbourne Air & Space Show. Lilley said the foundation will contribute a portion of proceeds from the upcoming air show, set for March 30-31 at Orlando Melbourne International Airport, to open the Cajun Scholarship endowment. 

The first scholarship will be awarded this fall, Lilley said, and the foundation hopes to solicit sponsors and donations to increase the endowment. For information, visit airseaspace.org or contact Sara Gauthier at sara@airseaspace.org or 321-574-8330.

Neale is the South Brevard watchdog reporter at FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Neale at 321-242-3638

or rneale@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @RickNeale1

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