A Valley family held a touching memorial for their fallen hero, Marine Sgt. Alec Langen, who tragically died alongside four other service members in a helicopter crash near San Diego. According to ABC15, the service on Monday was a somber event where loved ones gathered to honor the Marine's memory, reflecting on his service and sacrifice.
Sgt. Langen, only 23 years old, was from Chandler, Arizona, and his passing was felt deeply by those in his community and beyond. His mother, Caryn Langen, shared a heartrending message during the memorial, recalling his last text message to her, "get some sleep I love you." Caryn responded in kind at the service, "So baby boy, get some sleep. I love you, too," she said. As reported by ABC15, Langen's devotion to his role was echoed by his family who noted his passion for the job and his willingness to sacrifice alongside his brothers in arms.
The serviceman followed in his father's footsteps, flying in the same model of helicopter, a CH-53E Super Stallion, as his father once did. "Ever since he was three, he was like, 'I want to do what daddy did,'" Steven Langen told ABC15. Steven had also served in the same helicopter during his own time in the Marines from 1986 to 1995. Not long before his untimely death, Langen had married and was preparing for a future with his wife, with plans to relocate to North Carolina.
Casey Langen, his wife, remembered their wedding as the happiest day and spoke to reporters about their dreams of a life together. She described Alec as a "loving and selfless person," always ready to put others before himself. The couple had envisioned a new home, complete with dogs and a family of their own, she said with poise despite the tragedy that struck before those plans could come to fruition.
A separate memorial was held by the United States Marine Corps for all five Marines who perished, which took place at hangar 4, the home of HMH-361 "Flying Tigers." This gesture, as well as standing vigils at the site of the wreckage despite treacherous weather conditions, highlighted the profound camaraderie and solidarity among Marines. Sgt. Langen's sacrifice, alongside Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Capt. Jack Casey, and Capt. Miguel Nava was acknowledged by defense officials and mourned by leaders, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Both extended their condolences and emphasized the Marines' commitment to their country's safety, as noted by statements released and obtained by ABC15.
The cause of the catastrophic crash that claimed these lives remains under investigation. Meanwhile, the family has suggested that those wishing to honor Sgt. Langen's memory can make donations to the Wingman Foundation, which supports fallen and injured aviators and their families.
