Raymond Gray Estelle II was born January 16, 1971, in New Haven, Connecticut, where he was raised with a strong sense of community and commitment to service. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1989, beginning a distinguished career that spanned two decades and multiple theaters of service. Estelle first served as an aerospace ground equipment technician, mastering essential technical skills while stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this early period of his career, he continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

In December 1998, Estelle was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the University of New Mexico, transitioning into roles that leveraged his technical expertise and leadership ability. After commissioning, he served as a communications officer at McDill Air Force Base, Florida, working with critical air communications systems. Later assignments included positions with U.S. Central Command and the Air Combat Command, where he continued to advance in leadership and operational responsibilities.

Over his Air Force career, Maj. Estelle served in cyberspace operations and communications roles that reflected both his deep technical expertise and his ability to mentor and guide others. He was widely respected for his enthusiasm, charisma, compassion, and willingness to support and mentor fellow airmen. Known for his involvement in community and faith-based activities, he led Bible studies and developed professional relationships that extended well beyond routine duty.

In April 2011, Estelle was deployed to Afghanistan as part of a NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) advisory team tasked with training and advising the Afghan Air Force. He was assigned to the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, serving as a cyberspace operations officer when he arrived in Afghanistan on April 21, 2011.

On April 27, 2011, Maj. Estelle and several other U.S. and coalition advisors were meeting with Afghan Air Force personnel in an operations room at Kabul International Airport when an Afghan pilot, later identified as the attacker, opened fire, killing eight U.S. service members and one civilian contractor. Estelle was among those killed as a result of gunfire during the attack. He had returned to duty in Afghanistan only a day after spending Easter with his family in the United States.

Maj. Estelle’s awards and decorations reflect his dedicated service and sacrifice. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal — recognitions that attest to both his dedication in operational settings and his ultimate sacrifice.

In the wake of his death, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy ordered state and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Maj. Estelle, acknowledging the loss of “another brave and honorable service member” and offering condolences to his family, friends, and fellow service members.

Maj. Estelle was a devoted husband to Major N’Keiba Estelle and a loving father to their two children, Shayla and Raymond III. His commitment to family, faith, and country defined his personal and professional life, and his legacy remains deeply cherished by those who knew him.

He was laid to rest with full military honors following memorial services that celebrated his life of service, sacrifice, and leadership, ensuring his memory lives on in the hearts of his family, his Air Force community, and the nation he served.

Dates

Birth: January 16, 1971 — New Haven, Connecticut
Angelversary: April 27, 2011 — Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan

Service & Achievements

United States Air Force Major; Cyberspace Operations Officer
Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
Deployed in support of NATO/ISAF advisory mission in Afghanistan
Awards: Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), Purple Heart (posthumous), Meritorious Service Medal

United States Air Force Major Raymond G. Estelle II lived a life of service, mentorship, and devotion to duty. His memory is permanently honored by his family, his community, and the nation he served with distinction and sacrifice.

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