Remembering SGT Joshua Brennan Four Years After He Gave His Life For This Nation

SGT Josh Brennan

30 May 1985 – 26 October 2007

SGT Josh Brennan succumbed to his wounds on October 26, 2007 after being shot multiple times during an ambush on October 25th, 2007.  Josh, a member of the 173rd ABCT, 2-503rd, Battle Company, was killed in action during Operation Rock Avalanche.  SSG Sal Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor for his action that day when he, among other things, prevented the enemy from capturing one of his closests friends, Josh.

Rest in Peace Josh always knowing how much you are missed, loved and honored by your family, battle buddies and friends.

Last year, Josh's mother, Janice Gates, sang the following song at her church in memory and honor of Josh.



I wrote this post two years on the anniversary of Josh's death.  There are some wonderful photos of Josh over there along with a video tribute to him set to the same song as his mother sang in the video above.  The video at the link above was done for Josh's funeral service.  Please take the time to go to click on that link and read it.  Most of all please keep Josh, his family, battle buddies and friends in your prayers.

SGT Joshua Charles Brennan was born on 30 May 1985 in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 25 September 2003.

During his time in service SGT Joshua Brennan completed Basic Infantry Training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 15 March 2004, he reported to Vicenza, Italy where he became a Paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Assigned to Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK – SGT Brennan was first a rifleman and then an Assistant M240 Machine Gunner in 1st Platoon. Promoted to Team Leader, SGT Brennan deployed and served with distinction during bothVI and VIII. SGT Brennan was undoubtely one of the finest Noncommissioned Officers in Battle Company. He always led from the front.

SGT Brennan’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart(2), Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Prior to his death, SGT Brennan was submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his actions on 07 August 2007. For his service during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, SGT Brennan was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Service.

Memorial Day Events Tied to Our ROCK Paratroopers

As Memorial Day approaches I know of many events tied directly to the 173rd, 2-503rd.  I wish I could attend them all.  Since I cannot I want to at least mention them all here.  I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend but please remember, this is a time to remember all of those who have given their lives on behalf of this great nation.

Beats for a Bench Veterans Memorial Benefit will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 4pm – 11pm at the Expo Center in Long Beach, 4321 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach CA. 

This is a memorial fundraiser being hosted for Sergeant Israel Garcia, who was killed in the battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in 2008. To acknowledge his sacrifice and accomplishments “Beats for a Bench,” will raise money for a memorial bench to honor Sgt Israel Garcia at his High School, Long Beach Poly. Additional funds raised at the event will support the Long Beach City College Veterans Group to create an on-campus memorial to honor veterans, and to US Vets towards helping them accomplish their goal of  "The suc­cess­ful tran­si­tion of mil­i­tary vet­er­ans and their fam­i­lies through the pro­vi­sion of hous­ing, coun­sel­ing, career devel­op­ment and com­pre­hen­sive support."

While it's not a Memorial Day event, Defenders of Freedom is hosting Tee It Up Fore The Troops at the Dallas Cowboy's Golf Course on Monday May 23rd.  Several former ROCK Paratroopers as well as men from 4-4, 3-61 CAV who survived the battle of COP Keating will be attending this incredible event along with many more Wounded Warriors and Veterans.  I am grateful to Donna Cranston and her organization for including them this year.

The field is full but there are still ways to support this incredible event.  More information can be found here.

On Tuesday May 24th family, colleagues and friends will gather in New York City to celebrate the life of Tim Hetherington.  Many ROCK Paratroopers will be in attendance at Tim's celebration of life.

Tim Hetherington - taken at OP Restrepo

On Saturday May 28th two events will take place to honor fallen members of the 173rd, 2-503rd from OEF VIII. 

CPL Jason Hovater, who died in the battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on 13 July 2008 will posthumously be presented the Silver Star for his actions that day.  CPL Hovater had been awarded the BSMV.  It is more than fitting that the award has been upgraded to the Silver Star.  The event will take place at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville, TN at 10:00 AM.  I know that many of The Chosen Few and their families will be in attendance.  You can read CPL Hovater's Silver Star Citation here.

Also on May 28th a War Memorial will be dedicated at Washington Park, Cheboygan, MI from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.   This Memorial is for all those who have and continue to serve in the War on Terror, OIF & OEF as well as for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. SFC Matthew Blaskowski's name will be etched on the monument. SFC Blaskowski died as a result of a sniper's bullet during a firefight while serving at Firebase Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on 23 September 2007.  At the time of his death SFC Blaskowski was serving with the 173rd, 2-503rd Battle Company.

SFC Matthew Blaskowski

From Saturday May 28th through Monday May 30th many of the Battle Company ROCK Paratroopers will gather near Madison, WI to remember SGT Josh Brennan.  Josh died on 26 October 2007 as a result of  multiple wounds from an ambush in Afghanistan on 25 October 2007. 

SGT Joshua Brennan

While this coming Memorial Day weekend is a time set aside for us, as a nation, to remember all of our fallen heroes it is also a very difficult time for the widows, the families of the fallen and all of their friends.  Please keep them all in your prayers.

Nyssa, Oregon Dedicates Veteran's Hall in Memory of SGT Josh Brennan, KIA 26 Octobeer 2007

From The Argus Observer

A Fitting Tribute
Nyssa hall dedicated Saturday to honor of fallen Ontario soldier

By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Saturday, March 26, 2011 9:43 PM PDT

NYSSA — It was cloudy, rainy, windy and sun showed through the clouds a time or two, but the weather did not deter the large crowd that gathered to honor the late Sgt. Joshua Brennan and dedicate the hall in his honor, a facility in Nyssa that will be used to serve people in U.S. Military Service and veterans at midday Saturday. Brennan, from Ontario, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

Under a billowing parachute canopy, courtesy of Roger Smith and Roadrunner Crane Service, Brennan was remembered and honored by his parents, Janice Gates and Mike Brennan, and the several federal and state dignitaries who spoke or were present, but did not speak, at the event held in the parking lot next to the hall.

Formerly the Masonic Hall, the Josh Brennan Memorial Hall is now owned by Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida to compile packages for programs such as Treats for the Troops, Christmas for the Troops and Pencils for Peace, which provides educational items for children in the war zones. The meeting room is also available to community non-profit organizations and military families.

“I was humbled and proud,” Mike Brennan said, when he learned that his son, Joshua Brennan was being honored. “I think Josh would be humbled. Josh was always putting other people first, was a leader and always the point man,” he said. “I thank Janice and others for keeping Josh’s memory alive.”

“I was amazed beyond belief (when asked about naming the hall to honor her son),” Janice Gates said. “The community has continued to honor Josh.” After her comments, Gates sang “Heaven Was Needing A Hero.”
 
Congressman Greg Walden said, “It is an honor to honor Josh Brennan. “We need to honor his call to do more to support our troops,” Walden said.
 
One of the speakers was Former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who as governor spoke during Josh Brennan’s memorial service in Fruitland, as he did for most, if not all, service people from Oregon killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Kulongoski said Brennan should always be remembered for how he died in war but also for how he lived.

“It matters because he was a man of character, a man of integrity . . . he made the right choice for the right reason, with the right spirit.” Kulongoski said.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said Oregonians have a duty to take care of its veterans.

Other speakers were Kathleen Cathey, field representative for U.S. Ron Wyden who read a statement from Wyden; State Sen. Ted Ferrioli, Maj. Gen. Raymond Rees, Oregon Adjutant General, Idaho State Sen. Monty Pearce and Martin Ornelas, Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs.

Others participating in the ceremony were state Rep. Cliff Bentz, Danny Cutler, who sang the National Anthem, Brenda Goertzen and Katalin Plummer who sang, and Tom Cook, retired Navy Chaplain, who gave the invocation and benediction.

The flag presentation was performed by a community color guard and the Patriot Guard Riders also participated. The City of Nyssa blocked off streets around the site for the event, with the police and reserve officers providing security, as well as participating in the ceremony.


From KIVI tv:



You can read more about Josh and the building dedication here, here and here.

Remembering SGT Joshua Brennan, KIA 26 October 2007 During Operation Rock Avalance - Afghanistan

Mike Brennan, Gold Star father of SGT Josh Brennan, has become a treasured friend of mine.  Actually Mike, his wife, Michelle, their daughters, his sister and brothers and all of their family members are very special friends.  They are all so amazing, caring, thoughful and positive.  I am so fortunate to have them in my life.  Sadly the circumstances surrounding why they are in my life aren't so "happy."  I came to know Mike, and his family, after Josh died of wounds sustained on 25 October 2007.

I've been struggling the past few days trying to write a memorial post about Josh on this, the third anniversary of his death in Afghanistan.  No matter what I wrote it just didn't seem to be enough or right.

This morning I opened my email and found the following email from Mike:

Leta,


I was just thinking about Josh on this anniversary date of when he was shot and Hugo was killed. I had to watch this video again of Janice singing "When Heaven Was Needing A Hero". Although hard to watch she did such a wonderful job and that song has gone through my head almost every day since Josh was killed. I don't know if you know the story but Janice sent that song to Josh to comfort him when Matthew Blaskowski was killed and he was feeling down. Than a month later it was the theme song for his own funeral. If you post anything tomorrow would you please attach this video for people to watch as a tribute to Josh's life. Thanks again for always being there as such a great friend.


Mike

I am honored to post this video Mike.  I have had Josh, you all and Janice on my mind so much the past few days.  You inspire me EVERY day with your strength and positive committment to keep Josh's memory alive. I love you dearly and wish like hell Josh was here.  THANK YOU for raising such an amazing young man.  He made a difference in so many lives and was loved by more than most ever hope to be.

Rest in Peace Josh always knowing how much you are missed, loved and honored by your family, battle buddies and friends.



I wrote this post last year on the anniversary of Josh's death.  There are some wonderful photos of Josh over there along with a video tribute to him set to the same song as his mother sang in the video above.  The video at the link above was done for Josh's funeral service.  Please take the time to go to last year's post and read it.  Most of all please keep Josh, his family, battle buddies and friends in your prayers.

Mike Brennan Speaks About His Son SGT Josh Brennan & Medal Of Honor Recipient SSG Sal Giunta

I've written about SGT Joshua Brennan on several occasions on my old blog.  Here is one story.  I've mentioned what a wonderful father, Mike, his step mom and sisters in Wisconsin are.  I've never met his mother, Janice, or his step father and siblings in Oregon but Josh's dad, Mike, speaks of them often and fondly.  Mike Brennan is an amazing man.  I am fortunate to call him my friend.


Over the past three years I have gotten to know Mike and his extended family well.  We all traveled to Italy in September 2008 not long after the 173rd returned from their 15 month deployment to Afghanistan in OEF VIII.  It was during that deployment that Josh was mortally wounded by the Taliban in an ambush on 25 October 2007 and succumbed to his wounds hours later on 26 October 2007.  We all had many reasons for traveling to Italy.  One of Mike's reasons was to be able to meet many of Josh's battle buddies who were with him that fateful day and to find out "first hand" what happened.  He just wanted and needed to know everything possible.  I am so grateful to Josh's battle buddies and friends for all they have shared with Mike and his family and for becoming such an integral part of their lives. 


Mike and I talk often.  His is always open, honest and candid.  The sorrow never goes away.  Mike inspires me by the way he (and the whole family) choose to honor Josh's life and memory.  Mike never talks about the day Josh was wounded without reminding anyone that SPC Hugo "Doc" Mendoza also gave his life in service to our nation during that ambush during Operation Rock Avalanche.  


One fact goes without question - Josh's family and friends are grateful to all the men of Josh's platoon for what they did that day to save Josh from the enemy and to keep each other safe.  There are many stories of Valor.  The most poignant story of that day is that of SSG Sal Giunta who ran through enemy fire thinking he was going forward to assist SGT Brennan only to find out that Josh had been shot multiple times and was being dragged away by the enemy.  Among many acts of Valor SSG Giunta killed one of the enemy while the other ran away.  SSG Giunta then pulled Josh to the safety of other men of the Platoon.  If not for the actions of SSG Giunta that day one can only speculate whether Josh's family would have ever had him home so they could say good bye.

I've heard SSG Giunta say he doesn't think he's a hero - that if he's a hero then every man with him that day was, too.  I respect that.  I've heard some specifics of what happened that day from Mike Brennan, parents of another Soldier, SGT Frank Eckrode, Jr. who was there, was shot twice and is deployed to Afghanistan again.  We've also heard stories from that day recounted by other members of Battle Co, 2-503.  As a civilian I don't feel heroic is close enough to what those men did that day.  I am grateful for each of them and for Congress making the right decision in awarding the Medal of Honor to SSG Giunta.


The following article was published today.  Take a few minutes to read it.  I think you will be touched by the positive spirit in Mike Brennan. A spirit Josh's whole family seems to embrace even when they miss him so much.

From JSOnline - Milwaukee

Dead soldier's family ready to honor rescuer who did his best
Medal of Honor recipient saved soldier from enemy, but soldier died later

By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel

Sept. 30, 2010

McFarland - Mike Brennan wears his son's dog tags around his neck.

He wears the St. Christopher medal he gave his son to keep him safe in battle. He sometimes wears his son's T-shirts. Every morning he shaves with his son's shaving gear. On his wrist he wears a bracelet inscribed with his son's name.

It's not exactly a conscious effort to keep his son Josh close, it's just something Mike Brennan does.

And, of course, he thinks about his oldest child every day.

Sgt. Josh Brennan, 22, was mortally wounded in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley three years ago in a firefight so fierce some of his fellow paratroopers in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team would earn Silver Stars and one would eventually earn the military's highest honor - the Medal of Honor.

When Josh Brennan's family heard Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, 24, of Iowa was named the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War, they felt honored and proud. Giunta tried to save Josh Brennan's life, and in fact, rescued him from Taliban fighters who were trying to drag Brennan away.

Under heavy fire, Giunta emptied his M-4 rifle at the enemy and managed to pull Josh Brennan to safety. But Josh had been severely wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire, and though he was stabilized and medevaced out of the Korengal Valley, he died several hours later. Also killed in the battle - which happened on the last day of what was called Operation Rock Avalanche - was the unit's medic, Spc. Hugo Mendoza.

"I was thrilled to hear he got it," said Mike Brennan, 47, a Madison police officer who lives in McFarland. "It's not just about him running up there to save Josh. But it's such an honor for all of the people who fought with him."

Giunta is stationed in the unit's home base in Vicenza, Italy, while the unit is deployed in Afghanistan until later this fall. Though no date has been set for Giunta to receive the Medal of Honor at the White House, Mike Brennan and his family hope to be there to congratulate Giunta when the ribbon bearing the Medal of Honor is placed around his neck by the president.

Mike Brennan learned of his son's death in a phone call from Josh's mother in Oregon after the military knocked on her door. The next day, soldiers knocked on his.

"I said 'It's all right. I already know.' He said 'no sir, I have to read this.' The guy was just sobbing. I was comforting him," recalled Mike Brennan, who served in an Army military police unit that guarded Iraqi prisoners during the first Gulf War.

Though Josh Brennan grew up in Oregon with his mother, he spent summers with his father in Wisconsin and attended school in McFarland between the ages of 8 and 10. He ran track and played football at Ontario High School in Oregon and enjoyed water skiing, tubing and wake-boarding on Lake Monona. He was seldom without an iPod filled with rock and country music. In his free time he watched DVDs on his laptop. Before he left to join the 82nd Airborne Division, (Blogger's note:  SGT Brennan never served in the 82nd.  He joined the 173rd) he and his dad watched the "Band of Brothers" series about World War II paratroopers.

Josh was five months into his second tour of Afghanistan when he was killed. He earned three Bronze Stars, including one for valor, and two Purple Hearts.

When Josh's possessions were returned to his family after his death in September 2007, they were surprised to see he had kept a journal. Among the words Josh scribbled in the small notebook were these: "I don't think I will be on this earth very long."

"I was shocked to see that and to see that it was something he thought about," said his father. "Things like that, he never really discussed with me."

Members of Josh Brennan's family traveled to Italy in 2008 to visit soldiers in his unit. The Brennans and family members of other soldiers raised money to throw a big party for the unit and even flew some of the unit's injured members undergoing treatment in the United States to Italy for the gathering. When Mike Brennan met his son's comrades, he said, some were initially wary and worried Josh's family might be angry.

"To their surprise, we really accepted Josh's loss. In the biblical sense there's a day to be born and a day to die, and that was Josh's day. It was his destiny," said Mike Brennan.

Also traveling to Italy in 2008 was Mike Brennan's older brother, Terry, and Terry's son Joseph. In a strange twist, Joseph Brennan joined the Army after his cousin's death and was assigned to Josh's unit. Not just the regiment or battalion but the same platoon and squad. He's in Afghanistan now.

Three days before Josh died, a Marine recruiter was in Joseph Brennan's living room in Mequon. Even though he signed up for the Marines, the 2008 Homestead High School graduate changed his mind and joined the Army.

"We didn't want him to do it because we didn't want to go through all of this again in case something happened to him," said his mother, Laurie Brennan. "But eventually he said it was in God's hands."

It wasn't out of a sense of revenge or vengeance, Terry Brennan said of his son's decision. Joseph Brennan joined the military because he was proud of Josh's service and sacrifice. Joseph Brennan, now 19 and recently engaged, flew out of Mitchell International Airport to head to war exactly two years after Josh died. Everyone serving in the company knew he was Josh Brennan's cousin.

Last Christmas in a phone call from Afghanistan, Joseph Brennan mentioned something that shocked his father. 

"Joe said 'Tell Uncle Mike, we got the guy.' I said 'What are you talking about?' " said Terry Brennan.

Though official military sources will not confirm it, Terry Brennan said his son told him the unit had captured a high-value target believed to be the planner of the ambush that killed Josh Brennan and Mendoza.

"If it's true, it's almost full circle for Josh's cousin to get the guy who planned the ambush," Terry Brennan said.

Blog Owner's note:  You can read more about SSG Giunta here at Blackfive, here in Stars and Stripes and here

Take a few minutes, about 30, to watch this video of SSG Giunta and his wife Jenny.  Two incredibly humble Americans.  I can't get the video to embed so click on this link to watch.

UPDATED: Madison, WI Police Department Names One of Its Two New K-9's After Fallen Hero SGT Joshua Brennan

A couple of months ago I wrote about a call I received from Mike Brennan, father of SGT Joshua Brennan who was KIA in Afghanistan in October 2007. Mike called to tell me that the Madison, WI police department was naming one of their new K-9 members in honor of Josh.  There are a couple of pictures of K-9 Josh at the link above.  It was emotional the day Mike called to tell me that news but even more emotional tonight when Mike called to tell me that K-9 Josh has finished his training and the department had the dedication today to signify that K-9 Josh is now offically a member of the force.  Mike pointed me to this video aired on local news by NBC 15 in Madison, WI

TISSUE WARNING with respect to the video.

SGT Josh Brennan never questioned that once he left the Army he would return to Madison, join the police department and serve with his dad.  SGT Brennan won't be able to fulfill that dream but Officer Mike Brennan who, by the way, also served our nation in the Army for many years, now has K-9 Josh to remind him of his son every day.  In an interview Mike was quoted as saying, "To some people, naming a K9 Josh might seem like just a name. But to me it's like having a little bit of my son back with me every day."

I asked Mike if he gave K-9 Josh a treat today.  He chuckled and replied, "Yes, several".

I am grateful to the Madison Police Department for all of the support they have given to Mike and especially for honoring Josh's memory this way.

Mike didn't have any photos to share with me tonight but said he thinks he will have some in the next few days. Once I get them I will post them here.

UPDATE:  I received more photos from Mike Brennan.  In the three photos below from left to right:  Madison, WI police officer and K-9 handler Officer Teresa McKenzie, K-9 Josh, Officer Mike Brennan (SGT Josh Brennan's father)

In this link the Madison Police Department announces the addition of its two new K-9s as well as the retirement of one K-9 team.