$85k raised for USAF F-22 pilot who died with baby on the way

The family of the USAF F-22 Raptor pilot who died on a beach in Guam late last month has received a lot of support from the Air Force community.

28-year-old Captain Jeffery “Bull” Braden of San Antonio, Texas, was found unresponsive at a San Luis Beach on Naval Base Guam, where he was temporarily assigned. He was pronounced dead shortly after at Naval Hospital Guam.

Braden was assigned to the 19th Fighter Squadron under the 15th Wing in Hawaii, but was assigned temporarily to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam as part of Exercise Valiant Shield.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with, and will continue to be with, Capt. Braden’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Col. Kevin Gordon, the 15th Wing commander, said in a release. “Capt. Braden was an outstanding officer, fighter pilot, and leader. He will forever be our Air Force brother, and we will continue to offer his friends and family our support.”

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a GoFundMe page has been set up for his family, which includes his wife, Layne, a young daughter and unborn child.

“The Hawaiian Raptor community has lost one of our best- a promising young fighter pilot, a husband, father, brother, son, nonstop comedian, and loyal friend,” the crowdfund page states.

So far, a total of $85,094 has been raised for immediate travel and unforeseen expenses for the family.

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