Aaron Malone

Maj. Aaron Wallace Malone, 36, was killed in a tragic airplane crash July 28, 2010, at Elmendorf AFB while doing a practice flight in a C-17 Globemaster for the Arctic Thunder Air Show.

A military memorial for the four airmen who perished was held Monday at Elmendorf. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Aaron Wallace Malone at 6 p.m. today at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, 4721 Aircraft Drive, Lake Hood.

He was born Feb. 3, 1974, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Upon graduation from North Linn High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1992, Aaron relocated to Anchorage, where he met his wife-to-be, Melanie Smith, while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. They married in Bellevue, Wash., in August 1996 and have since made their home in Anchorage with their three wonderful sons, Jacob 11, Jeffrey, 8, and Alexander, 3.

His aviation career began with Era Aviation in Anchorage, flying Twin Otter and Convair 580 aircraft in Alaska and throughout the United States. Aaron graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical science. Most recently, Aaron was working toward a master's degree in family financial planning from Iowa State University. He had only two classes left to complete his degree.

In 1997, Maj. Malone was hired by the South Dakota Air National Guard to fly F-16s. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant by his older brother, LCDR William Malone, in 1998. He attended pilot training at Vance AFB in Oklahoma, where he graduated with an award in academic excellence.

Maj. Malone was hired as a pilot for Alaska Airlines in July 2001. He relocated to Great Falls, Mont., to continue flying the F-16 for the Montana Air National Guard, commuting to Seattle for pilot training with Alaska Airlines. Immediately after Sept. 11, Maj. Malone was called to active duty with the Air National Guard, leading to a deployment to the Middle East to patrol the southern no-fly zone. Maj. Malone was hired by the Alaska Air National Guard in 2007 to join the newly formed 249th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-17.

As a young boy, Aaron was an avid baseball player, an interest he held throughout his life. Aaron loved practical jokes, fourwheeling, snowmachining, camping and spending time with family and friends. Aaron considered himself a cigar aficionado. He was an avid Seahawks and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He also had a purple belt in karate, a family activity that he shared with his wife and sons. In addition, he co-coached Little League with Maj. Michael Freyholtz, who was also killed in the crash. Aaron was also a mentor in the Alaska Military Youth Academy.

Aaron was a dedicated airman and aviator who loved flying and the talented people with whom he worked, but his proudest dedication and love was for his family. He gave them his love and support each day. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers at Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Air National Guard.

Aaron is survived by his bride, Melanie; his three wonderful boys, Jacob, Jeffrey and Alex; his parents, Dennis and Karol Malone; a brother, William; two sisters, Katherine and Karrie; and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in care of the Malone family's account at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. Condolences may be sent to 9761 Arlene Drive, Anchorage 99502