Support Joe Bray: Funeral Costs for His Mother

Hello All,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mbumba Nzuri Arline, the mother of Lance Corporal Joe Bray. Joe is a student at UMass, working toward his undergraduate degree. He also serves as a field radio operator with 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, H&S Company.

Joe and his siblings left Congo at a young age in pursuit of a better life in America. Though separated by distance, they were never separated by love. Mrs. Arline supported her children in every way she could. Tragically, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, she has passed away. She is survived by her three children, two of whom are U.S. service members. A devoted follower of her faith, she stood as a pillar of strength for her family.

Due to the current conflict in Congo, Joe is unable to return home to bury his mother. We cannot let this happen.

Joe was in my unit, and anyone who served with us will tell you—he doesn’t have an immoral bone in his body. He always had a smile on his face and a funny accent on the radio that made us chuckle. Never once did he have an attitude. He was always the first to volunteer for the work no one wanted to do. Joe was a source of positivity even in the worst of times. He was the best of us, and he certainly doesn’t deserve to go through this alone.

We are setting up this GoFundMe to raise funds for Joe’s travel expenses and his mother’s funeral costs. If you are able, any donation—no matter how small—will help. In a world full of negativity, we have the chance to come together for someone who truly deserves it.

Joe is a great American, a patriot, a stoic older brother, and an even better friend. All proceeds will go directly to the Bray family.

Thank you for your time and any contributions you can make.

God Bless