In a solemn mix of tribute and mourning, Southwest Airlines transformed a hangar at Phoenix Sky Harbor into a sanctuary for Sgt. Alec Langen, a fallen Chandler Marine and aspiring mechanic, whose lives was cut short in a tragic California helicopter crash last month that also claimed the lives of four fellow servicemen, as reported by AZFamily.com.
The unique funeral service held by Southwest, where Langen's parents have clocked in over two decades of labor, played out in a space where the sergeant himself had hoped to ply his trade post-duty the funeral service echoed a familial ethos, with guests donning western wear in compliance with Langen's casual wishes, "no one will wear a suit to my funeral," his father recalled him saying, in a statement echoed by 12News.
Bringing Sgt. Langen home, Freedom One bore his casket, Southwest shared on social media, while a solemn flyby of the same helicopter model involved in the fatal incident honored not just Langen, but all five lost Marines, the somber ceremony punctuated by the skirl of a lone bagpiper playing TAPS as the Marines performed their aerial salute. Southwest's Instagram revered the quintet, "As we say goodbye to these five Marines, we unite in gratitude, expressing our heartfelt thanks and honoring those who gave their all for our country".
The fatal flight on February 6 involved a CH-53E Super Stallion chopper, authorities said the aircraft vanished while routine flight training was being conducted en route back to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego from Creech Air Force Base, the Marines were confirmed deceased by military officials two days later, southwest employees and guests coming together to bid farewell to a young Marine whose life was brimming with potential and recently imbued with the joy of matrimony, Langen leaving behind a legacy adorned with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal among other accolades.
