Memorial fund raises more than $30,000

A memorial fund established for the family of an Air Force pilot killed in Iraq has raised more than $30,000, family members said.

Maj. Troy Gilbert died Nov. 27 when the F-16 he was piloting crashed in Iraq. Gilbert’s wife, Ginger, is a Clovis native.

Jay Gurley of Clovis, Ginger’s father, said the community support has been comforting to family members.

“I’m sure many of her friends and ours and people we don’t even know have contributed to the fund. The people here and in Phoenix have been very generous with their friendship and their caring and their kindness. I have been (in Clovis) 26 years, and it’s very comforting to know that I’ve got so many friends here,” Gurley said.

Ginger Gilbert lives in Phoenix with the couple’s five children.

Gurley said he and his family continue to think of other service men and women overseas.

“We care about the other military men and women that are in harm’s way, and we’re keeping them and their families in our thoughts and (hoping) that they come home safely.”