Respects and condolences for you and yours.
Respects and condolences for you and yours.
So very sorry for your loss.
Stunned by this news. I am so sorry.
Praying for comfort for you and your family during this time. We all love you and are very sorry for this unimaginable loss.
I am crushed and gutted to hear this. I can't imagine. I want you to know that Brandon had a positive impact on my life and I will remember him fondly.
Another idea for a memorial is possibly through a veteran small business loan. Maybe there is a way to work with your local office to find a veteran looking to start or grow a small business and fund their loan. You may even be able to know who or which business the loan is going to so you have personal connection if you want. When the loan is repaid, perhaps it could just be rolled into the next loan. You may be able to meaningfully help multiple local veterans this way, as well as meaningfully improve your local economy. Of course there are ways to do this that are not tied specifically to veterans as well.
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
many small business loans are under 10k and can be the difference between life and death of small companies - I add this only to show that what may seem like a small amount of money could absolutely make a difference in this area.
In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :
Thanks for the idea, that is not something I had thought of.
Brandon was flown home on Tuesday on Southwest Airlines with a military escort. We received him at the airport, it is hard to describe the experience. My wife, my son Zack, and myself we escorted to the tarmac right outside the terminal. Seeing stop signs that say airplanes have right of way is certainly different.
I was humbled by the honor that was bestowed on Brandon, the fire department came out and had the plane go under a water bridge on the way to the terminal. Southwest had several veterans that volunteered their time to help. When the plane pulled in the captain had his Navy escort come down to meet us, and then had the passengers stay on the aircraft so Brandon could be first one off. The captain and first officer came down as he was being unloaded to show their respects. We were given some time alone with him before loading him into the Hurst. I was told later that many passengers were taking pictures at the time, I was concerned with hanging on to my wife and son.
The emotion of that evening is still very strong and my wife said putting her hand on the flag draped coffin made it real. It is hard to explain but I am at the same time glad I made us go, and it was one of the most emotionally difficult things I have ever had to go through.
I appreciate all of the heartfelt words and prayers, even if I can't respond individually.
Fladiver64 (Forum Supporter) said:Brandon was flown home on Tuesday on Southwest Airlines with a military escort. We received him at the airport, it is hard to describe the experience. My wife, my son Zack, and myself we escorted to the tarmac right outside the terminal. Seeing stop signs that say airplanes have right of way is certainly different.
I was humbled by the honor that was bestowed on Brandon, the fire department came out and had the plane go under a water bridge on the way to the terminal. Southwest had several veterans that volunteered their time to help. When the plane pulled in the captain had his Navy escort come down to meet us, and then had the passengers stay on the aircraft so Brandon could be first one off. The captain and first officer came down as he was being unloaded to show their respects. We were given some time alone with him before loading him into the Hurst. I was told later that many passengers were taking pictures at the time, I was concerned with hanging on to my wife and son.
The emotion of that evening is still very strong and my wife said putting her hand on the flag draped coffin made it real. It is hard to explain but I am at the same time glad I made us go, and it was one of the most emotionally difficult things I have ever had to go through.
I appreciate all of the heartfelt words and prayers, even if I can't respond individually.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you're going through.
I'm with you on the difficulty of donating to certain veterans organizations as the lack of transparency makes me cringe. I have a lot of friends I've made in the military and that have gotten out and need help of some sort and some of these "veterans organizations" fail to practice what they preach.
A few years ago a buddy of mine passed away from a boating accident up here in the panhandle and this is what his unit and the local town did to pay tribute to him. https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/local/2021/11/30/7th-special-forces-group-soldier-honored-plaque-joes-bayou/8720374002/
If you or your family need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. Again I'm so very sorry :(.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
To the hive:
I reached out to the mayor of St Cloud, FL where Fladriver64 calls home and he put me in touch with their Director of Parks and Recreation. They have a tribute program for a bench and a plaque in a city park that they would push forward for this fallen Sailor; however, the cost is around $1125.00.
I'd be willing to throw a $100 or so dollars at this to help out a fellow GRMer pay tribute to his son.
DirtyBird222 said:To the hive:
I reached out to the mayor of St Cloud, FL where Fladriver64 calls home and he put me in touch with their Director of Parks and Recreation. They have a tribute program for a bench and a plaque in a city park that they would push forward for this fallen Sailor; however, the cost is around $1125.00.
I'd be willing to throw a $100 or so dollars at this to help out a fellow GRMer pay tribute to his son.
i'm in for some amount. who's gonna coordinate it?
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
I don't mind at all. I've got all the documentation from the city as well on how to apply for it along with the applications. 
Count me in.
In reply to DirtyBird222 :
Wow I'm not even sure what to say. Thanks just isn't enough. You can email me at my forum name on the Gmail. I would really like to see this happen.
In reply to DirtyBird222 :
PM'd. Thanks for coordinating.
Count me in.
As a vet I appreciate your son's service. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I will support
$1,125 / 50 = $22.5, an easy and inconcequentional amount.
Put me down for 1/50th.
Do we have 49 more? Will some take a few 50ths?
In reply to John Welsh :
I will take 2 50ths plus any fees etc.
I am in for 2 spots as well.
In for 2 spots
I'll take 2 please EDIT and like the guy below, i can do more if we come up short.
In for 2 and can up that if we come up short.
In for 2 just let us know when and we'll get it done.
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