According to the U.S. Department of War, in 2023, there were 523 deaths by suicide among U.S. military service members, up from 493 in 2022. Further, from 2011 to 2023, suicide rates for active-duty forces have shown a long-term increasing trend.
Keeping the name and legacy alive
After the first anniversary of Jimmy’s passing, the Bradley family decided to create a fundraiser designed to keep his legacy alive.
Mary Qualben, Jimmy’s older sister, told the Brooklyn Eagle, “We needed to do something positive, so we started a nonprofit in his name to try to make an impact on somebody else’s life to carry on his legacy. When you have such a traumatic loss, you can either lie down or do something about it.”
Qualben underlined that it’s easy to find darkness but the goal of her family was to use their pain to make something “really beautiful.”
Tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to various charities over the past four years as a result of the fundraising events.
A true patriot
According to Qualben, Bradley was incredibly impactful in the short time that he was here.
“I really want the memory of him to be something that people are proud of and will remember,” she said.
From left: Ella Sicurelli, David Kelly, Coner Leary, Nicasio Alonso, Jill Nixon, Nicholas Peragine, A.J. Wingert, Paul Cameron, Brooke Signorile and Shannon Ryan. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
When asked how she thinks her brother will best be remembered, Qualben said he was a true patriot and a man of faith, as well as “annoyingly stubborn and very funny.”
“He was a devout friend and family member as well,” said Qualben. “I think that’s what people will remember most. Jimmy was my best friend. We were 10 years apart. He was so impactful for me in shaping who I was, and I think doing something so profound in his name is the best way to honor him.”