Memorial fund for Soldier killed in Perry County
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BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — A soldier killed on native soil is honored. His family is stepping up so his memory can help save lives, through a memorial fund for hunter safety. Sgt. 1st Class Michael Braden was shot and killed July 9th, 2014 at Perry County National Guard Armory. Police later arrested and charged a 15-year-old for that shooting. Braden’s wife, Jennifer, said the teen is still in Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Facility awaiting trial. “What they told me is that we are waiting to see if he can be tried as an adult,” Jennifer Braden said. She said there are still unanswered questions behind what happened that day. “I may never know why it happened, or why it was him, or why the armory,” said Jennifer. Saturday they held the first annual chili supper and silent auction where proceeds go toward the Michael Braden Hunter Education Memorial Fund. Braden said the fund helps buy safety vests for the hunter education graduates in Perry and Haywood County. “He would absolutely love it. He would be glad for what we’re doing and what all this is going towards,” said Brandon Gavrock, a friend of Michael’s. Jennifer Braden said this is the only fund of its kind in Tennessee specifically for hunting education.She said she hopes to go statewide in 10-20 years. If you would like to donate, send a check to this address: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation 5000 Linbar Drive Suite 275 Nashville, TN 37211 Specify it’s for the Michael Braden Memorial Fund.
