For My Fiance

Sgt Brandon M. Read was my fiance. We had been friends for 2 years and when he received his orders to go to Iraq, we talked whenever he had free moments and on June 9th we moved our friendship into a dating relationship and on June 12, he asked me to marry him. I said yes of course. We were going to get married right before he left on July 31, but time got away from us and we didn't get a chance to get married. He left July 31, 2004 for Iraq. We decided that as soon as he got home in 2005, we would go to the Chaplin and get married when he got home. He was over in Iraq for a month when his vehicle was hit by an IED. He was killed instantly. The only casualty in the convoy. He had actually volunteered to take the gunner post since the soldier who was scheduled to do it was afraid. Brandon was always one to step in and help anyone. He also would tell me when I talked to him how much he loved being in the gunner post. He was killed Sept 6, 2004, Labor Day. He was one of the finest, bravest soldiers I have ever known and will always be remembered for his willingness to help anyone. Thank you so much for offering these bracelets for us to always remember those loved ones we have lost.

Jessica