HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Fifty-four years ago, on a rainy Nov. 14, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed into a hillside as it approached Tri-State Airport with 75 Thundering Herd coaches, teammates, staff, supporters and flight crew members on board. The loss to not only the families of the victims in the crash, but the entire Huntington community, was immediately felt.
Michael Barbera’s mother, Tara, lost her parents, Margaret “Peggy” Chambers and Dr. Joseph Chambers — a family physician who also served the Marshall football team — in the crash. He never knew them personally, but he says through his mother’s stories over the years, their legacy has lived on. Tara Barbera was just 14 when her parents died.
“Growing up, my mom didn’t talk about the tragedy,” said Barbera. “She only spoke about the time she had with her mom and dad. Her stories gave my brother and I an idea of how great our grandparents were through her memories.”
Now, at age 42, Barbera says the gravity of what happened only continues to resonate as he gets older.
“This time of the year moves me more emotionally now, maybe because I have a family of my own. It reminds me of what my mom and her sisters went through and that’s tough every year to think about.”
As a Marshall and Herd soccer alum, Barbera’s love for the university has only followed in his family’s footsteps. On Thursday, Nov. 14, he will share his perspective on the impact the crash still has all these years later.
“I want every college student and athlete who attends to understand that the student athletes on that plane had the same aspirations and goals as they do, but their chances were tragically cut short,” Barbera said.
“For the sports programs, I think it’s especially important to understand what an impact they have on the university — how much they mean to the community and how that same community always has their back. They are playing for something greater than just a team. They are playing for our community.”
While that understanding is always present at Marshall, Barbera says the ceremony is the powerful vehicle that keeps those feelings strong, year after year.
“The ceremony is always so beautiful, but brings you back to the tragic moment. The quietness of the fountain turning off is so powerful,” he said.
“Most of all, I feel proud — proud to be a part of the Marshall family, this community, proud of my grandparents and most of all, proud of my mom and her sisters for becoming such wonderful women,” Barbera said. “We will never forget the past, but can choose to live with happiness in the present.”
Barbera currently resides in Huntington with his wife, Tiffany, and two kids, Mackenzie and Max, ages 10 and 8.
Members of the public are invited to attend in person or view a livestream of the event. To view the live stream or for more information on the plane crash or Memorial Fountain Ceremony, visit www.marshall.edu/neverforget.
Media are invited and encouraged to attend.
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