One empty aircraft parking spot Published Oct. 19, 2009 By Col. Joe Guastella 20th Fighter Wing commander SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Members of the 20th Fighter Wing, If you had driven the Shaw AFB flight line late Thursday evening you'd have seen rows of F-16 aircraft parked in lighted shelters, with dedicated maintainers buttoning up the jets for the night. But one row was different. One row had an empty parking spot. One ladder still lay on the ground, and one crew chief awaited his aircraft that never returned. That evening, one driveway in the Sumter community was missing a car, one family was missing a father, and America was missing an Airman. That evening, Capt. Nicholas Giglio, 77th Fighter Squadron, died in a mishap over the Atlantic on a training mission. He was doing his job. He was training and preparing to be ready to defend this nation. Flying is a serious business, and despite all efforts in our wing to train safely and smartly in every phase of flight, sometimes mishaps occur. The pain of this tragedy will be with us for years to come. I must ask for your support in the following areas: First, understand that the accident is being thoroughly investigated. I ask that you refrain from speculating or propagating information about its cause. Second, I ask that your thoughts and prayers be with the family of Captain Giglio, his friends and the members of the 77th. Finally, remember that the readiness to perform our mission, the ability to project power from Shaw AFB, and the defense of this great nation requires 100-percent dedication and focus from all of you. I need you to stay in the fight -- mentally and physically. Every Airman and civilian within this wing plays a critical role in our mission, and I thank you for your service to our country. Col. Joe Guastella 20th FW commander