Cadet First Class Dennis P. Rando lost his life in a flight training accident on 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 $135,000 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.