In Memory of USMC Corporal Brian Downard

For the past couple of weeks I have been taking a break from this site to clear my head and to help a friend with a special project. But last night I read a story about a Marine’s family who needs help from all of us which has compelled me to return to my keyboard.

The American Legion’s Burn Pit website tells the story of 23-year-old USMC Corporal Brian Downard – who lost his battle with testicular cancer this past Monday – and the struggles of the family he has left behind. This family includes his 7-year-old son, Jesse, and his mother, Brenda, who will now raise Jesse and needs your help raising money for funeral and living expenses.

The following is an excerpt from Burn Pit’s post:

“Funeral expenses are $14,942.55, a sum that Brenda simply does not have. Additionally, she now has Jesse to look after.

This Corporal of Marines looked after his men on two deployments. While deployed, they were his brothers and sisters, as were all of us who served. And now, his son, and his mother need help. As Brian was our brother, so too does that make Jesse our nephew. We need to ensure that this fallen Marine’s final wish is granted, to be laid to rest where he wanted, that he might use that as his line of departure for his next deployment to the Elysian Fields where his grandparents and fallen warriors await. For it is there that the grass is truly greener than anywhere else.

The American Legion is setting up a fundraiser for Brian. Give a little, give a lot, but give something if you can.
Here is the link for Credit Card donations.

100 percent of all funds will be given to Brenda for the funeral, and any other expenses along the way.

If you care to donate by check, you can send those to us at:

Brian Downard Memorial Fund
PO Box 361625
Indianapolis, IN 46236

Thank you to all who give, and to Brian, salute.”

I urge you to read the full story and join me in giving something back to the family of a Marine who gave so much for us. Whether you are able to make a donation or not, I also urge you to help spread the Burn Pit article to everyone you know via email, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or any other means at your disposal. The more people who know about this story the more this family will be helped; every dollar counts.

Special thanks to Burn Pit, Michelle Malkin, Blackfive and country music star Clay Walker for bringing this story to our attention.

From my family to the Downard family, our prayers are with you. To USMC Corporal Brian Downard, thank you for your service and may God look after you just as you did for your men. Semper Fi, Marine.

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