The Army Command - Directorate of Guidance, mourned the martyr pilot Captain Joseph Hanna and First Lieutenant pilot Richard Saab, who were martyred yesterday in a military helicopter crash in the Hamana area. Below is a brief overview of each of their lives:
**Martyr Pilot Captain Joseph Hanna**
- Born on December 25, 1994, in Dibbin - Bint Jbeil.
- Joined the army as a cadet officer on November 12, 2012, and advanced through the ranks to Captain as of January 1, 2023.
- Awarded several medals, and received commendations and congratulations from the Army Commander multiple times.
- Participated in several training courses both domestically and internationally.
- Family status: Married with one child.
- Promoted posthumously to the next rank.
- The body will be transferred from the Central Military Hospital on August 25, 2023, at 8:00 AM, where farewell ceremonies will take place, followed by the funeral at 4:00 PM at St. George's Church - Dibbin, and he will be buried in the family cemetery. Condolences will be accepted before and after the burial at the church hall mentioned above. On August 26 and 27, 2023, at the martyr's home in the town of Dibbin. And on August 30, 2023, at Mar Takla Church - Baqnaia from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
**Martyr Pilot First Lieutenant Richard Saab**
- Born on December 30, 1998, in Choueifat - Aley.
- Joined the army as a cadet officer on November 14, 2016, and advanced through the ranks to First Lieutenant as of August 1, 2022.
- Awarded several medals and received commendations from the Army Commander.
- Participated in several training courses both domestically and internationally.
- Family status: Single.
- Promoted posthumously to the next rank.
- The body will be transferred from the Central Military Hospital on August 25, 2023, at 7:30 AM, where farewell ceremonies will take place, followed by the funeral at 12:00 PM in the Dahr El Choueifat stadium, and he will be buried in the Dahr El Choueifat cemetery. Condolences will be accepted after the burial and on August 26 and 27, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Choueifat Ladies Association hall.
**Messages of Solidarity**
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rai expressed his "deep sorrow for the martyrdom of Captain pilot Joseph Hanna and First Lieutenant pilot Richard Saab in the military helicopter crash in the Hamana area, and for the injury of the wounded soldier Ahmad Saidah."
The Minister of Information in the caretaker government, Ziad Al-Makari, wrote on the "X" platform: "August 23, 1984 / August 23, 2023, the tragedy repeats, and our sorrow is boundless. Last night, death struck the Lebanese army again, claiming Captain pilot Joseph Hanna and First Lieutenant pilot Richard Saab, repeating the tragedy of the Ehden helicopter incident that claimed 10 martyrs among soldiers and journalists. 39 years later, the army remains resilient and capable. It was and will remain the army of guarantees and sacrifices so that Lebanon may endure."
The Minister of Culture in the caretaker government, Judge Mohamed Wissam Murtada, extended his condolences in a statement to the Lebanese people, especially the army's leadership, officers, and personnel, stating: "The fate of heroism is intertwined with sacrifice and dedication. However, the elevation of the two martyr officers, Captain pilot Joseph Hanna and First Lieutenant pilot Richard Saab, from their heavens to the sky, along with the injuries of their accompanying brave soldier Ahmad Saidah during the tragedy of their flight, leaves a pain and sorrow in the hearts that is unmatched." He continued: "In addition to the hardships faced by the military personnel with patience, sacrifice, and adherence to duty, martyrdom intensifies the tragedy painfully."
**Video**
A short video clip circulated on social media showing the army's victims during their flight in the military helicopter during the daytime.
