<p>THE GAZETTE</p>
<p>Maj. David Brodeur, an Air Force Academy graduate and spouse of a Colorado Springs native, was one of nine Americans killed Wednesday when a gunman opened fire in Kabul, Afghanistan.</p>
<p>The Alaska-based fighter pilot and father of two married his wife Susan in the academys chapel in 2000, a year after he graduated, said his father-in-law, Frank Williams of Colorado Springs.</p>
<p>He was the perfect son-in-law, if there is such a thing, Williams said. I couldnt wait for him to come home so he could take me fishing.</p>
<p>A Massachusetts-native, Brodeur deployed in February to train Afghan air force pilots.</p>
<p>The Iraq veteran had worked as an executive officer to the commander of the Alaska-based 11th Air Force at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.</p>
<p>He just liked the Air Force and he loved to fly, Williams said. Hes so good at it.</p>
<p>Williams said the major was as good at being a father as he was at handling high-speed planes.</p>
<p>David had a four-year-old son who couldnt wait for him to come home so he could teach him how to play baseball and a seven-year-old girl who is a straight A student, Williams said.</p>
<p>Brodeur had looked forward to his work in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>His motivations were simple, Williams said.</p>
<p>Hes a very patriotic person, Williams said. He loves this country.</p>
<p>The family is finalizing plans to bury Brodeur at the Air Force Academy.</p>