Monday, February 20, 2006

A great man and a great American

Bryan Willard was a guy that Dan went to flight school with when we lived in Corpus Christi, TX. He was the sweetest guy in the world - a Marine. He was single back then, and would pop by for dinner now and then. When Dan was away on cross countries, he would come by and take me out to dinner or to a movie and always call to see if I was ok or if I needed anything. He was a great friend. Dan and I just got word that Bryan was one of the 8 Marines killed in the helicopter crash in Djibouti last week. What a terrible loss for his wife, family and our country. This hits so close to home to me - how easily it could have been my own husband. My heart is breaking for his wife and I can only imagine the pain that she must be suffering. How does someone recover from such a terrible loss? Dan and I are in the process of trying to find if there is a memorial fund for the surviving families. Often times the military sets up and education fund for the children of fallen soldiers. If I hear of any such thing, I will post that on here for anyone touched and interested in helping these people in the time of their grief. This is the worst nightmare of any military wife or husband. I am so thankful to God that he has protected Dan and am praying continually that he will remain in God's mercy and protection. Bryan was a wonderful man and will be so sadly missed.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will keep his family in my prayers as I do yours!!! I pray God blesses his family with strength and allows them to relish in the joy he must have brought them as a husband, son, brother.
I love you!
Shan

Gingers Mom said...

Thanks, Shan. I can't even imagine what they are going through now. How awful....

Unknown said...

What a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them!

I know that through Mike's paychecks, a percent goes out to a couple of charities that we pick out each year.

Last year we gave to a charity that distributed funds for families of injured soldiers. Many of these men & women spend months in recovery and this charity allowed for their families to stay in near by accomidations with out having to pay. I think the other one we choose was for a charity that put it's efforts into promoting adoption. Mike brings a booklet home each year with 100's of charities listed and we thumb through it and pick out which ones we feel strongly about.

Gingers Mom said...

That is awesome that you do that, Mike and Nicki. What a great idea.

Anonymous said...

I cant't imagine what you must be feeling Kristin. That is so awful. I will be thinking of his family.

I learned a lot while visiting the landing beaches in Normandy. Most of all, I learned that I have not paid enough attention to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country and in defense of others. I learned that I have a lot to learn.

My thoughts are with you.

Unknown said...

After being here in Japan and actually living more of a military lifestyle, we've/I've learned so much about our service men and women. Mainly though that along with being super heros, they are moms, dads, husbands and wives just like the rest of us. Our hearts go out. Mike and I talked about this one last night.

I think that the charity thing that we do is available through the government paycheck system. I forget what it's called though....lots of help I am.

imfreenow.blogspot.com said...

I have been praying for your husband since you said he was fighting for us.

Most of all, I stand with those who believe in the reason for that man having lost his life. The worst thing is a lack of support for the troops.

I used to be a (dumb) liberal and god changed that. In the eighties, i never thought much of Reagan. Years later, in retro, I learn how much he did for us, how much he had to do with the Berlin wall coming down. I just know that Bush is also confident for the same reasons Reagan was.

It is not in vain.

Trailady said...

I am SO sorry to hear of this great loss! War is hell!! I want you to know how much I appreciate the sacrifices you & your husband are making for our country right now. May God bless you & the family who is grieving...