Governor’s Medal awarded to military officer who died in Iran.

Capt. Ariana G. Linse Savino was one of six Air Force members who died on March 12 in an aircraft accident in Iran.

(Instagram via prfaadc)

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Saturday awarded the Governor’s Medal to Capt. Ariana G. Linse Savino, one of six Air Force members who died on March 12 in an aircraft accident in Iran.

The governor also presented the flag of Puerto Rico to the fallen service member’s family.

“Today is a sad day; today is a painful day. Today, we lose a daughter, a sister, a friend, a colleague, a Puerto Rican,” the governor stated to the family members during the funeral services held at the National Cemetery. “A person who gave the ultimate sacrifice that any officer can give: her life, her legacy, and her career. On behalf of the People of Puerto Rico, we offer our sincere condolences, and we hope that her memory remains ever-present. As governor of Puerto Rico, I wish to express that this is a very difficult situation for all of us. We may not have known her personally, but we know of her character and her sacrifice. To the family, I say that we love you all, and we pray for you and her friends during this time of loss. As governor, this marks the first time the Governor’s Medal has been awarded posthumously -- and Ariana truly deserves it.”

The medal was accompanied by the following message in English honoring Savino: “[...] Chief of Current Operations for the United States Air Force; she served as a pilot with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, stationed at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama. A daughter of Puerto Rico, distinguished by her extraordinary valor and her unwavering devotion to the service of our Nation. Her life, sacrificed in combat, stands as an enduring testament to the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and honor. With profound gratitude, the people of Puerto Rico cherish her memory and draw inspiration from her legacy of heroism. Awarded the GOVERNOR’S MEDAL FOR VALOR AND PATRIOTISM on April 18, 2026, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Jenniffer González Colón — Governor of Puerto Rico.”

Participating in the ceremony were Savino’s family members: her mother Omayra, her father Darren, her sister Kelaia, her brother -- Sgt. Zevin -- as well as extended family, squadron comrades, and representatives from various veterans’ organizations.

Joining the governor were the Brig. Gen. Carlos J. Rivera Román, adjutant general of the National Guard; Public Safety Secretary Brig. Gen. Arthur Garffer; State Command Sgt. Maj. Juvencio Méndez; and Veterans Advocate Agustín Montañez.