Sgt. Major Conner moved from Tacoma to Kellogg, Idaho, when he was a youngster. He participated in ROTC at Kellogg High School, where he graduated in 1984. He started attending the University of Idaho, then transferred to North Idaho College. He needed college funding, so he enlisted in the Army on June 24, 1987. He was first stationed in Alabama, where he met his future wife. They married on May 27, 1989. He served in Operation Desert Storm in 1990. He was presently assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), which is stationed at the Army installation but takes its orders from U.S. Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. He deployed to Iraq in March, his fourth deployment to the country since 2003. Bradly was extremely intelligent and well-spoken. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his son, Aaron; and his daughters, Katherine and Rachel, all of Fort Lewis; his parents, William and Kay of Coeur d'Alene; his brothers, Brian and Bruce; and his sister, Brenda Day.

His awards and decorations include three Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, five Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.