Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University earlier this month bestowed an honorary degree to Maj. Brad Funk, an instructor pilot at Sheppard AFB, Tex., who was killed May 1 in a T-38 crash on the base. The Times Record News of Wichita Falls, Tex., reported June 7 that Funk received a posthumous master of aeronautical science degree with honors during the 2008 commencement ceremony at the university’s Sheppard campus on June 6. Funk, 35, was working on his master’s degree at Emory-Riddle the time of his death. The T-38 crash also took the life of 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, a student pilot.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.