(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) said the academy is mourning the loss of a cadet who passed away from aggressive tumors in December.
According to USAFA, on Tuesday, Dec. 31 23-year-old Cadet 1st Class K. Emily Jean Foster from Eagle Idaho passed away from aggressive and advanced brain tumors discovered on Dec. 14.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our teammate, Cadet First Class K. Emily Jean Foster, over the holiday break. She was a stellar cadet, leader, mentor and friend throughout her time here at the Academy and we are shaken by her loss,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent. “We will support Emily’s family, Cadet Squadron 14, her friends and colleagues, and the entire Academy team during this difficult time.”
Cadet Foster was a member of the class of 2025, a Geospatial Sciences major, and a Soaring Instructor Pilot with the 94th Flying Training Squadron. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in 2021 and was selected to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training following commissioning.
“Emily came home at Thanksgiving with extreme exhaustion and severe headaches. It was discovered on the 14th of December that Emily had two highly aggressive and advanced brain tumors. On the 31st of December, she passed away from these aggressive brain tumors. Emily made a personal decision years ago to put her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her greatest desire was to honor Him in her life, character, conduct, and care of others. She lived by what it says in Philippians 3:12-14 and desired to press toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We are confident she is with Jesus and that in His presence is fullness of joy.”
