Colonel Kassaye Kifle died on July 14, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee at St. Thomas Hospital.
On July 17, 2009, friends and family got together at Debre Keranio Medhanialem Ethiopian Orthodox Church service in Nashville. His remains were transported to Ethiopia on Wednesday July 22nd.
Many who had served in the Ethiopian Armed Forces as officers (1965 – 1991) remember him as a leader who served his country honorably. Over the years his training took him to the United States where he trained as aviator, aviation commander course in the Soviet Union and Ethiopian Air Force Command Staff College. His exploits are many. He was among the handful officers that made the services rendered by Army Aviation Unit so unique among Ethiopian Ground Forces.
He was Assault Helicopter Team Leader where he was awarded one of the highest order medals for bravery. His personal contribution continued when he trained pilots in the Ethiopian Airlines.
Colonel Kassaye is survived by his wife, two children and two grand children. Colonel Kassaye’s funeral service was held at Debre Libanos Monastery today July 25, 2009.
