AIR FORCE ACADEMY, COLO. -- Friends and family gathered at the Air Force Academy's Cadet Chapel Monday morning to remember a local airman who died three weeks ago when his plane crashed in Africa.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Hall died Feb. 18 when his U-28 aircraft crashed near Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. The 30-year-old airman was a Colorado Springs native who graduated from Pine Creek High School in 2000 and was assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. since 2007.

The Citadel military college graduate deployed to Africa as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Hall grew up in Colorado Springs and loved the outdoors. The program for his funeral service states some of his favorite activities included hunting, fishing and playing golf. It also states Hall loved to travel with his girlfriend, Marianne "Mae" Vincente.

Hall's family described him as a born leader with a passion for life. His father, Dennis Hall, said Americans are safer today as a result of his service.

"He embodied what is good in America," Dennis said. "Ryan gave his life out of love. He loved his Lord, he loved his family and he loved this great nation."

Hall is survived by his parents, Dennis and Kliffa Hall, two brothers and his grandmothers.