I (Luke's mom) received the following message from Tom Steinke:

Mrs. Unrath-

I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. It broke my heart to hear the news that Luke went down. The only comfort is that he passed doing what he loved and had the privilege of leading so many people who loved and respected him.

I met Luke when he returned to pilot training for the second time. I had just been medically removed from UPT and was waiting to be reclassed to another job like he was after his accident. He instantly took me under his wing, shared his incredible story, gave me hope for the future and showed me more grace than anyone else at that time in my life. He shared his hope and enthusiasm and was a shining light so many times for me personally. We worked together for about 6 months and I got to see him get back in the pilot seat, before I left for another career.

Even though we were just friends from afar for the last few years, seeing him post about his marriage and his progress to reach his goals have always brought me inspiration and joy.

You raised an amazing man.

No amount of time can ever take this pain away. But I hope you find some measure of peace over these next few months and know that the Air Force family is always available to anyone in your life who needs us.

-Tom Steinke