Memorial service planned in Loganville for airman killed - KMSP-TV

The town of Loganville is preparing to say goodbye to an airman killed in Afghanistan.

Air Force Major Walter David Gray, 38, was killed with two other Air Force officers when a suicide bomber crossed their path August 8 in Afghanistan.

"The suicide bomber came to the vehicle, approached the vehicle and set off the suicide vest," said Ronnie Gray, David's brother.

The 38-year-old is slated to posthumously receive the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor on the battlefield.

Ronnie Gray says David enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from Loganville High in 1992. He left the Air Force for the Air National Guard to earn a computer science college degree. He then rejoined the Air Force, becoming an air liaison officer to provide air support for soldiers on the ground.

"David and his guys saved a lot of lives over there," said Ronnie Gray.

Some of those military men and women joined Major Gray's family -- his wife and three children among them -- at his funeral in Colorado, where he was stationed.

His burial is scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery on August 24. A memorial service is planned Tuesday in Loganville where flags fly at half staff and condolences are posted all around town.

"It was all we could do just to be able to honor him and his family," said Vicky Vincent, a Loganville businesswoman.

Vincent says she'll join well wishers lining Highway 78 through Loganville around 4 p.m. on Tuesday to honor Gray as the procession passes by. The public is urged to line the streets to honor Gray.