Pilot's legacy continues with posthumous master's degree

  • Published
  • By Stacy Horany
  • Wichita Falls Times Record News
WICHITA FALLS, Texas --  A commencement ceremony June 6 was a time to celebrate the achievements of the 2008 graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Sheppard Air Force Base campus, but it was also a time to honor the legacy of a fallen classmate. 

Maj. Brad Funk, an instructor pilot who was killed in a T-38 crash May 1 at Sheppard, received a posthumous master of aeronautical science degree with honors at the Sheppard Club. 

"I was very grateful that they decided to do this," said Major Funk's wife, Jennifer Funk, who accepted the degree on her husband's behalf, along with their daughters Tyler, 13, Sophia, 2-1/2 and Addison, 7 months. 

"Education was always a priority for Brad," she said. 

According to fellow instructor pilot and close friend Capt. James Riley -- who also received his masters of aeronautical science degree Friday -- Major Funk had many priorities, but the one that stands out the most in Riley's memory was family. 

"He was a busy guy, besides being a flight instructor he was working on his master's, and he had young kids and always put his family first. He was very family-oriented," Captain Riley said. "When you'd see him, he always had a smile on his face. He was really outgoing and also very spiritual." 

Captain Riley said since the loss of Funk and student pilot 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, who was also killed in the crash, it has been difficult at the base. 

"It's been hard to take. It's been somber around the squadron since the accident," Captain Riley said. "But Brad would have wanted us to keep flying, to keep the mission going, so that's what we've done." 

Dr. Bruce Rothwell, Central Region dean of academic affairs for Embry-Riddle and the guest speaker at Friday's ceremony, said a chair for Major Funk would remain empty onstage at the graduation save for two roses, one opened and one a closed rosebud. 

"The opened rose in full bloom symbolizes his life and what he achieved, and the closed bud symbolizes what he had yet to accomplish," Dr. Rothwell said. 

Col. Daniel Torweihe, vice commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing, thanked Embry-Riddle for recognizing Major Funk's academic achievement. 

"Embry-Riddle has always been known for its outstanding relationship with the military, and we want to thank Embry-Riddle for recognizing Brad Funk. It means a lot to us during this still difficult time," Colonel Torweihe said. 

Mrs. Funk said that her husband, who also was a 1998 cum laude graduate of Embry-Riddle's Prescott, Ariz., campus with a bachelor of science in aeronautical science, really enjoyed his time studying at Embry-Riddle. 

"Education was very important to him, the Air Force was very important to him, his family and his church was very important to him," she said. "He's left such a legacy of honor for all of us to be able to look back on."