September 30, 1996. He is the son of Paul and Toni Rando of East Bridgewater,
MA, and the brother of Denise Rando. His Instructor Pilot, Capt. Clay Smith,
lost his life in the accident as well. Tragically, two other cadets and their Air
Force flight instructors also lost their lives in separate flight trainer accidents
at the Academy in 1995 and 1997.
Dennis was an admirable and well-liked Cadet. Those who knew him were very
impressed by his friendliness, willingness to help others, generosity, and
compassion. Dennis is described by many as "the epitome of a cadet." His
passion was to fly.
Former Eastern Massachusetts Parent Club President, Bob Caggiano, founded
the Rando Fund. Bob was inspired to begin the Fund as a way to reimburse a
number of Dennis’ Cadet classmates who came to Massachusetts to attend his
funeral when he was discovered that they had traveled at their own personal
expense. He later learned that the Academy does not have the financial
resources to provide for this type of travel. The club made an appeal to other
Cadet parents to help reimburse these Cadets for their travel. The response
from across the country was overwhelming. The Cadet Parents Club of Eastern
Massachusetts decided that fund raising to provide this type of travel was a
most worthwhile cause. The Academy Superintendent at that time, General
Paul Stein, recognized the value of this effort in support of the Cadets and
asked that it become a national fund raising initiative with a committee
comprised of Cadet parents and Cadet parent clubs throughout the USA. The
Academy fully supports the Fund and has officially recognized it and its
mission. The Fund remains viable due to the continued donations of many
individuals and the fund raising efforts of parent clubs from across the
country. Since the Fund’s inception, approximately $60,000 has been raised
and spent in support of Cadets.
The Fund’s primary purpose is to help finance travel so that a small group of
Cadets can attend the funeral services of another Cadet. The fund continually
maintains a $10,000 reserve for this purpose. Enabling the Cadets to
participate in the funeral service of a fellow cadet accomplishes two things. It
helps our cadets during an emotional time to say a final goodbye to their very
close friend and it helps support the family involved when they see and meet
a contingent of Cadets who were closest to their son or daughter. The Cadets
also serve as the representatives of all other Cadets and Cadet families at the
hometown services. Cadets are not asked to repay these funds. The funds are
a gift made possible by the generous donations of people like you
All funds beyond the reserve are earmarked for other humanitarian purposes
such as enabling Cadets of limited financial means to be able to travel home
to visit a sick family member, close relative or friend based on the
recommendations of the Chaplain’s Office and the Commandants Office. Cadet
eligibility regarding necessity of travel, as well as determining the level of a
Cadet’s financial need is also made by the Chaplain’s Office and the
Commandant’s Office. Not even the President of the Rando Fund is involved
in this process. It has always been the opinion of the Fund’s leadership that
those decisions are best left to those most closely involved with the Cadets
and have the expertise necessary to determine a Cadet’s level of personal,
emotional and financial need. Based on those recommendations, the Fund will
either fully or partially subsidize the cost of the travel. The cadet and their
family are not required to reimburse the fund. Again, these funds are a gift
made possible by your donations.
The Air Force Academy Superintendents, Commandants and Chaplains have
continually expressed their support and appreciation of this Fund because it
fills a void at the Academy that is not a part of their budget, nor is
transportation for such situations offered through the Air Force. Many officials
at the Academy continue to be impressed with the ability of the parents to
organize and help the Cadets at a time of emotional need. The letters of
sincere appreciation received from families who have lost a cadet as well as
the letters of thanks from cadets who have been able to attend the funeral of
a fallen comrade or be at the bedside of critically ill family member or friend,
speaks to the need for us to continue this most worthwhile work.
This Fund supports any Cadet in need, not just the Cadets whose families
have made contributions. The Rando Fund has no affiliation with any other
fund raising groups and has no other purpose than to raise funds on behalf of
cadets for the purposes stated above. 100% of every donation received goes
into the Fund. The Fund has no paid staff nor does it have any expenses
related to its operation. The cost of all expenses has been donated as well.
Thank you in advance for all that you will do to help make the Dennis P. Rando
Cadet Humanitarian Fund a success and for your support of all Cadets during
times of emergencies. We feel that it is the least we can do for our sons and
daughters who have committed themselves to the defense of our nation.
Bernazzani at:
Jack Bernazzani
136 Orange Street
Roslindale, MA 02131
tel: 617-327-1846
Email: jackb@ma.ultranet.com
Please make checks payable to the
"Rando Fund"
