On the evening of October 17th, what should have been a proud, patriotic, and fun experience turned into a horrific, earth-shattering event when my sister Niki Patterson and her family lost Ian Patterson in a manner no wife or child should ever have to experience.

The details of Ian’s highly public and extremely traumatic death are still under investigation. Our hearts are broken for Niki and her two young boys following the tragic loss of Ian, a beloved husband and father whose life was taken far too soon.

In an instant, their family’s world changed forever. As they navigate this unimaginable loss, they are also facing an uncertain future and significant life changes.

As a stay-at-home mom who homeschools their boys, Niki has dedicated herself to raising and caring for her family. Ian was their primary financial provider, and she is now facing the challenge of supporting her children while grieving the loss of her partner.

This fundraiser aims to ease some of the financial burden of rebuilding a life without their husband and father, including relocating back to Niki’s family and support system, any necessary legal expenses, and allowing Niki to focus on being a mom and helping them through this devastating loss.

Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson began his career as an Airman Basic and reported to the 319th Training Squadron on 18 July 2011 for Basic Military Training. He was stationed multiple places in his 15 years of service including Korea, Fort Carson Colorado (where Niki and Ian Met) and Germany.