KC-10.net

A part of Barksdale died Sept. 17 in an explosion and fire on a KC-10A Extender aircraft. Sgt. Joseph M. Burgio Sr., a jet engine mechanic assigned to the 2nd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, left heart-touched memories on friends, family, and the Air Force community. Sergeant Burgio is survived by his wife, Ann, their 3-year-old son, Joseph Burgio Jr., and his parents Ann and Mario Burgio. Silently, occasionally tearful, Mrs. Burgio, with child in arms, listened to the praises of her husband during a memorial service at Chapel 2 Monday.

With restrained voices, three people who knew Sergeant Burgio shared fond memories with an estimated 650 people who crowded into Chapel 2 to bid farewell to a fellow Air Force member, a coach, and a friend.

"A better friend, a better human being you will not find," said Lt. Col. Thomas Godfrey, 2nd CAMS commander. "We still feel the strength of Joe's spirit all around us."

The 24-year-old West Islip, N.Y., native has been assigned here since July 1985. He had previously served at Sprangdahlem Air Base, Germany. While at Barksdale, Sergeant Burgio earned the 2nd CAMS and 2nd Bomb Wing Maintenance Technician of the Month for September 1986. Sergeant Burgio, a two-time New York high school state wrestling champion and former Olympian hopeful, began helping to coach Parkway High School wrestlers two years ago.

"I'm proud to say Joe is a friend of mine," said Adam Schindal, a former Parkway wrestler. " What was so great about having Joe as a coach was having Joe as a friend."

In addition to wrestling, he worked with the Special Olympics program as a counselor on physical fitness and the building of muscles.

In an emotional address, Sgt. Steven Server said, "Joe had a yearning to be called mister - Mr. Burgio. Well, Mr. Burgio, I love you. I will miss you very much."

They were best friends.

KC-10.net remembers Sgt. Joeseph Burgio