Major General Edward Robert Bracken (USAF Retired) passed away on the 14th of October 2024 at the age of 87. Ed Bracken was born in Troy, NY on July 29, 1937, where he graduated from Catholic Central High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (’59) and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University (’71). He completed Squadron Officer School in 1965, Air Command & Staff College in 1971, and the National War College in 1976.
As a decorated veteran, he served his country with distinction for 33 years, retiring from the Air Force in 1992. As a combat fighter pilot, he amassed over 4100 total flying hours and endured 130 combat missions. During his career, he held key positions from initial command of the 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron to that of Commander of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. His last assignment was at Wright Patterson AFB, OH serving as the Chief of Staff for Air Force Logistics Command. Throughout his career, he held positions as an instructor pilot, test pilot and command pilot in the F-100, F-105, F-4, and F-111. Highlights amongst his numerous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Distinguished Service Medal.
After his retirement, “Big Ed” (as folks called him) worked as a consultant to several aviation and space companies, advising them on long-range plans, financial strategies, and business process re-engineering practices. He also worked on various studies for the Air Force and the Department of Defense. Volunteering was also important to Ed as evidenced by his countless hours devoted to numerous organizations including the Super Saber Society, Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, sponsor for several cadets at the United States Air Force Academy, and co-founder of Black Forest Together, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in response to the most devastating wildfire in Colorado’s history.
Ed was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Joan Bracken; his parents, Michael and Myra Bracken; and his second wife, Nancy Gorsich-Bracken of 11 years. He is survived by his brother, Michael; and his four children: Mary, Erin, Pattie, and Eddie. General Bracken’s family legacy lives on though his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. In the Spring of 2025, funeral services will be held at Our Lady of the Pines in Colorado Springs followed by interment at Eastonville Cemetery, Elbert, Colorado.
Steve Young
5 Nov 2024The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for MGen Bracken’s 33 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Dick Mason
11 Nov 2024Ed and I flew F-100 fighter jets together over 60 years ago, and we have remained friends ever since. Ed was always a very fine gentleman with true class. I will miss him, and the world will miss a great man.
Dick Mason
Bernard Jene
14 Nov 2024It was my honor to have met Ed during his retirement years; surely, this country is better off because of his service and those like him. RIP.
Thomas I Anderson
14 Nov 2024Ed and I met during Primary Flying, Moore AB, Mission Tx in 1959. After 64 years I was delighted to renew acquaintance and discover Ed had a most successful life. Dick Mason said it just right: a real gentleman whom the world will miss.
T.I. Anderson