VALDOSTA —
A web-based fundraiser has been launched to support the family of a slain Air Force major who died earlier this month due to injuries sustained from a suicide-bomb attack in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province.
Maj. Walter D. Gray, 38, of Conyers, died Aug. 8 and has since been laid to rest, but his family and friends struggle to capture a few serene hours of sleep these days.
The fundraiser runs until Aug. 31 and all proceeds will go to Gray’s immediate family, according to the website. The support has started rolling in for the family, but there’ still a long way to go.
Gregory Birdsong and his wife, Elizabeth, had once been stationed at Moody Air Force Base and knew Gray personally.
Birdsong recalled receiving a phone call from Gray one Friday. Gray needed another person to join his triathlon team for the following day. Birdsong said, “Sure.”
“I would do anything to help Maj. Gray, and that’s what inspired me to start this fundraiser to help his family,” said Birdsong. “He always did so much for other people. Now it’s my turn to do something for him.”
Birdsong described Gray as a jovial guy who knew when his unit needed a laugh and when it was time to be focused and serious
“Maj. Gray was an all-around amazing guy,” said Birdsong. “He always pushed us to be better and he took care of us, his subordinates.”
Gray was commissioned in October 1997 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps after serving as an enlisted airman, according to a release from Moody AFB’s 23rd Wing.
Gray and his unit were tasked with providing air support for ground operations, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While stationed at Moody AFB, Gray served as air liaison officer and flight commander for the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron.
He became one of the Air Force’s first career air liaison officers after serving for several years as an airfield operations officer, according to the 23rd Wing’s release.
“Maj. Gray’s ultimate sacrifice is a tragic loss for the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing family,” said Col. Samuel Milam, wing commander. “He was a tremendous officer and leader. Our most heartfelt sympathies are with the Gray family and the airmen of the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron during this difficult time.”
More information: Search for “Major Gray’s Family” on YouCaring.com or visit the fundraising campaign: http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=7611&url=majorgray
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