AAMF

23 May 2024

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey – “Air Advisors and Combat Aviation Advisors have very similar mission sets in that we are often employed to train, advise and assist foreign air forces on airpower employment and sustainment… it’s in this familial mindset that we honor and pay tribute to our fallen comrades and to the Gold Star Families that they have left behind.” These words spoken by the Air Advisor Memorial Foundation President (AAMF), Robert Knipfer, seem to carry even more resonance on the afternoon of 23 May 2024. The AAMF was finally able to add two names onto the memorial wall that they felt were long overdue. Major William Downs and Major Mark Todd, the first two Combat Aviation Advisors to be honored by the AAMF.

The AAMF was honored not only to memorialize these two Advisors, but also in having the opportunity to thank their families in-person. Major William Downs’s widow, Beth Holmes, his children, SPC Chandler Downs from the 75th Ranger Regiment, Elle Downs, and Bailey Downs, and his sister-in-law, Anne McKee, as well as Major Mark Todd’s mother, Paula Todd, and his sister, Minda Garner, were all in attendance, with countless other family members and loved ones watching a live stream of the event online.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, David Flosi, was also in attendance, opening the ceremony by describing the legacy our fallen Air Advisors have left for all. Quoting President John F. Kennedy, while stating he made “a notable edit” to the quote by adding the word “air” to some parts, CMSAF Flosi said: “A nation reveals itself not only by the Airmen it produces, but also by the Airmen it honors, the Airmen it remembers.”

Following his opening statement, the ceremonial bell was rung 14 times, one ring for each Air Advisor and Combat Aviation Advisor, as their names were read aloud for all to hear. Following the reading of the names and official dedication of the two Combat Air Advisors, a true milestone and honor for all, Robert Knipfer invited our guest speaker, Colonel (USAF, Ret.) John Alvarez to the podium.

Colonel John Alvarez, who served with both Major Downs and Major Tood as a fellow Combat Aviation Advisor, is a man with the unique ability to speak on the character of the two men being honored, as he served with both as a fellow Combat Aviation Advisor. Standing between two Airman’s Crosses, both outfitted with the recognizable Combat Aviation Advisor berets placed across their boots, Colonel Alvarez began by greeting the families and telling the crowd that he was “truly humbled and honored and, quite frankly, very emotional” to join us to honor the fallen Advisors adorning the walls of the monument.

He described a combat search and rescue task force that was put together in El Salvador in the early morning of March 6th, 1996. This task force included Major Todd and, tragically, would prove to be the mission on which Major Todd lost his life when his aircraft crashed. Colonel Alvarez recounted Major Todd fondly and with admiration for his life, stating that he “set an example for all of us to emulate, both professionally and personally.” He took a moment to speak directly to Major Todd’s family: “To the Todd family, for those of us who were blessed to serve with Mark…[he] is a brother and will always be remembered and held in the highest regard.”

With a catch in his throat, Colonel Alvarez continued to speak on Major Downs. He told a story that took place just 6 months after the CAA community had begun to mourn the loss of Major Todd; Major Downs conducted a life-saving mission to save a CAA who was bleeding out in a river in the jungles of Ecuador near the Colombian border. While his CAA brother did have his leg amputated, the heroics of Major Downs that day saved his life. “That brother was me,” he told the attentive crowd with a tone that carried a gratitude that most could never fully grasp. Colonel Alvarez described how a few short years later, the CAA community would reel from the loss of the same man who had saved his life, while on a Joint Special Operations Air Component Task Mission, perished when his aircraft crashed. Colonel Alvarez had to deliver the news to the Downs family himself. He continued, describing the close bond that was forged with the Downs family, commenting that through fate, his service dog, Moose, seated next to Elle Downs, even shared a birthday with her father, the man who had saved his life.

As the Gold Star Families, past and present Air Advisors, distinguished guests, and military members sat, they were invited to participate in a familiar honor and tradition. One-by-one, members of the crowd approached the two newest plaques, and placed a coin upon them.

To CMSAF Flosi, Colonel Alvarez, and all others who joined us, thank you. And to our most honored and distinguished guests, the Todd family, and the Downs family, thank you. We will ensure your loved ones are remembered and their legacies honored.

You can watch the ceremony on Facebook at the link below:
**Apo… – 621st Contingency Response Wing Command Team

– Clarissa Grizzle