On Monday, June 21, 2010, we said our final goodbyes to Israel at the Wilmot Lutheran Church.
The family all gathered at the church starting around noon, waiting for the 2 p.m. start. It was a somber gathering because we all knew that we would be saying goodbye to a son, husband, father, brother and friend.
People began arriving and filling the church. We expected a large crowd because Israel was a hero, someone that we all needed to thank for the ultimate sacrifice he gave for all of us.
The Patriot Guard had placed American flags along the walk to the church and it was an amazing sight to look out and see how many people were standing outside of the church with flags. Every time I glanced out it would cause me to get a lump in my throat.
Because it was a full military funeral myself and others were honorary pallbearers. As the family filed in, it was very quiet, with only the organ making much noise.
The service began quite normal until a Native American group entered unannounced and proceeded to stand in front of the casket during the readings. I understand they were paying their respects for a fallen hero, but at the same time it took away from the service a bit.
After the readings, the speakers began. Renato, a member of Izzy's fraternity spoke first. It had been my honor to speak to him and other members about the funeral and about Izzy. Renato spoke very eloquently about Israel and his sacrifices, and how as a member of the fraternity, their goal was to ensure Turner would have a college fund waiting for him in the future.
Next Governor Rounds spoke. He spoke of the sacrifices Israel had made for our country and said that though he did not have the opportunity to spend much time in South Dakota, the state should consider him a native son, for he would be spending forever there. It made me proud to call South Dakota my home state. To see someone of this stature recognize Izzy was amazing.
I feel foolish that I do not remember the name of the Army representative that spoke. I believe he was a Brigadier General, but it escapes me. His was also a great speech and afterwards they presented Brenna with Israel's final medals, which included the Purple Heart. That scene brought tears to my eyes knowing what was done to receive them.
My brother Graham followed with the obituary. I am amazed at how well he was able to hold it together during it and was even able to bring some humor into it with great stories about Izzy, especially about how when Brenna was able to meet my brother-in-law Scott in Kuwait, and how he called him "the creepy old guy" that was hitting on Brenna.
After the songs and Pastor Steve's sermon, which made even him choke up, we began the slow journey to Israel's final resting place.
As we came out of the church, it made my heart swell with pride to see all the flags again. Thanks goes out to the Patriot Guard for making this happen. It really helped bring home how much of a hero Israel is.
The motorcycles roared to life again and led the procession out to the cemetery. Along the way individuals had stopped to pay their respects, some with flags, some saluting, others simply holding their hands over their hearts.
When we arrived at the cemetery, it was amazing to see all the people flanking the grounds holding flags. I still get goose bumps thinking about that awesome show of respect for a fallen hero.
As we gathered under the tent at the cemetery, it really started to hit home that this was it. We would never see Israel again.
We've all seen movies where the 21-gun salute is given, but this time I couldn't hold it back and tears began to stream out. My grandmother was near me and I had to put an arm around her because it was such a stirring moment. The presentation of the flag to Brenna and Israel's mother and father was also very difficult. It brought a finality to everything that was hard to take.
Pastor Steve invited anyone that wanted to to approach the casket one final time. I was lucky enough to have had Israel's name for the two Christmases he was part of our family. This last year I had planned to get several Georges St. Pierre cards and have them framed for him, but ended up getting him a Colts jersey instead. I had brought one of the cards I had gotten early, and as Dean placed a cigar on the casket, I added the card. I cried the entire time I walked up, placed it on, and walked away. Scott added a pin that I didn't get a chance to see and then the casket was lowered into the ground.
I'm so glad Tracy was there for me. I pray every day that no one else I know ever has to go through this.
After the casket was lowered into the ground, we began to file out quietly. Though Israel was gone, he will never be forgotten. During Pastor Steve's sermon, he implored everyone to never let Izzy's memory die, and to tell Turner when he is older how great of a man his father is. I hope that we all keep this promise and share all the great stories we know. I know I will try to do just that.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Israel O'Bryan - Meeting at the Airport
On Sunday, June 20, 2010, we began the first of two difficult days.
My brother-in-law Israel O'Bryan was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on June 11, 2010, and on Sunday, we met the body at the Watertown, SD, airport.
When Tracy, the kids and I reached the airport I began to feel the heartache that had been welling up over the past week. As we turned on the road to the airport, I saw several people gathering, many with flags already, preparing to spread out along the drive.
It was an amazing sight to see the Patriot Guard with their motorcycles lined up, ready to lead the procession back to Wilmot. The variety of people with the guard was moving. From vets of wars past to those that had seen the battlefields of Afghanastan and Iraq.
We waited for at least a half hour for the plane to land, making quiet small talk with family and friends, all knowing the sad reason we were brought together on this airstrip.
At 11 a.m. we could see the plane making its final approach and as it taxied to the terminal, we began to line up. The Patriot Guard formed a column for the casket and the Honor Guard prepared to bring the casket from the plane to the herse.
As the plane door opened, I began to tear up. Though I had not known Izzy as long as some, the fact that he died to protect all of us brought a lump to my throat that didn't go away for some time.
Slowly the casket was lowered to the ground as a friend of Brenna and Israel's deboarded the plan after what I can only imagine was the hardest flight of her life. Brenna asked that she escort the body home, something that showed what the friendship meant.
It was very quiet on the runway, with only the sounds of the wind and the commands of the Honor Guard piercing the silence. After the casket was respectfully placed in the herse, the Patriot Guard guided it to the gate while we returned to our cars.
We watched the motorcycles exit the runway and slowly joined the procession. As we reached the main part of the drive, the sight that greeted us brought tears to my eyes.
People from all walks of life lined both sides of the drive, each one holding an American flag. Older couples stood side-by-side and young children stood with their families, each holding a flag to show their respect to a fallen hero.
It made me proud to be an American and know that each of these people were here, not because they had to be, but because they wanted to be.
As we began the slow journey to Wilmot, we would pass homes where people had come to the end of their driveways. Some had flags, while others simply watched with their hands over their hearts. Each time we passed those people, my heart would swell with pride and thanks for their respect.
Once we reached the Wilmot exit, we paused for a moment so that the Patriot Guard could prepare their bikes to fly American flags and other flags. At the top of the hill, a small group of people with flags had gathered to form a small column, welcoming Israel to his final resting place.
Along the 8 miles to Wilmot, others had gathered, some holding flags, others paying their respects, but when we hit the city limits, I began to openly weep.
Both sides of the road were packed with people holding flags. All the way to the church, there was not a piece of space that didn't have someone there with a flag or a wave. We paraded through town and I would have to believe that everyone from Wilmot that could be there was.
The Patriot Guard formed another line into the church and the Honor Guard brought the body in with great respect.
After a final inspection, we were allowed in. It was a closed casket, but that didn't diminish the feelings that flowed.
My sister Theresa put together an amazing slide show that was played repetedly, showing Israel growing up, him, Brenna and Turner, and his time in Iraq. The one picture of Izzy and I that I know of was in there, making me think back to the first time I got to meet him.
There was lots of hugging and crying, some laughter from remembering stories of Izzy, and a great show of support for Brenna.
She was doing an amazing job of holding it together. The strength she has is second to none.
A short prayer service ended the evening at the church, but we had another long day ahead of us.
My brother-in-law Israel O'Bryan was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on June 11, 2010, and on Sunday, we met the body at the Watertown, SD, airport.
When Tracy, the kids and I reached the airport I began to feel the heartache that had been welling up over the past week. As we turned on the road to the airport, I saw several people gathering, many with flags already, preparing to spread out along the drive.
It was an amazing sight to see the Patriot Guard with their motorcycles lined up, ready to lead the procession back to Wilmot. The variety of people with the guard was moving. From vets of wars past to those that had seen the battlefields of Afghanastan and Iraq.
We waited for at least a half hour for the plane to land, making quiet small talk with family and friends, all knowing the sad reason we were brought together on this airstrip.
At 11 a.m. we could see the plane making its final approach and as it taxied to the terminal, we began to line up. The Patriot Guard formed a column for the casket and the Honor Guard prepared to bring the casket from the plane to the herse.
As the plane door opened, I began to tear up. Though I had not known Izzy as long as some, the fact that he died to protect all of us brought a lump to my throat that didn't go away for some time.
Slowly the casket was lowered to the ground as a friend of Brenna and Israel's deboarded the plan after what I can only imagine was the hardest flight of her life. Brenna asked that she escort the body home, something that showed what the friendship meant.
It was very quiet on the runway, with only the sounds of the wind and the commands of the Honor Guard piercing the silence. After the casket was respectfully placed in the herse, the Patriot Guard guided it to the gate while we returned to our cars.
We watched the motorcycles exit the runway and slowly joined the procession. As we reached the main part of the drive, the sight that greeted us brought tears to my eyes.
People from all walks of life lined both sides of the drive, each one holding an American flag. Older couples stood side-by-side and young children stood with their families, each holding a flag to show their respect to a fallen hero.
It made me proud to be an American and know that each of these people were here, not because they had to be, but because they wanted to be.
As we began the slow journey to Wilmot, we would pass homes where people had come to the end of their driveways. Some had flags, while others simply watched with their hands over their hearts. Each time we passed those people, my heart would swell with pride and thanks for their respect.
Once we reached the Wilmot exit, we paused for a moment so that the Patriot Guard could prepare their bikes to fly American flags and other flags. At the top of the hill, a small group of people with flags had gathered to form a small column, welcoming Israel to his final resting place.
Along the 8 miles to Wilmot, others had gathered, some holding flags, others paying their respects, but when we hit the city limits, I began to openly weep.
Both sides of the road were packed with people holding flags. All the way to the church, there was not a piece of space that didn't have someone there with a flag or a wave. We paraded through town and I would have to believe that everyone from Wilmot that could be there was.
The Patriot Guard formed another line into the church and the Honor Guard brought the body in with great respect.
After a final inspection, we were allowed in. It was a closed casket, but that didn't diminish the feelings that flowed.
My sister Theresa put together an amazing slide show that was played repetedly, showing Israel growing up, him, Brenna and Turner, and his time in Iraq. The one picture of Izzy and I that I know of was in there, making me think back to the first time I got to meet him.
There was lots of hugging and crying, some laughter from remembering stories of Izzy, and a great show of support for Brenna.
She was doing an amazing job of holding it together. The strength she has is second to none.
A short prayer service ended the evening at the church, but we had another long day ahead of us.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Thank You Governor Rounds and Many Others
On Sunday, June 12, 2010, Brenna and Rachel were to go to Dover, Delaware to meet Israel's body when it was brought back from Iraq.
They found that the only flight out of Fargo, N.D. that would get them there in time would be leaving before they could reach the airport.
This is where the first thanks happens. Thank you to the Roberts County Sherrif Department for stepping in and helping Brenna reach Fargo as quickly as possible. There are very few places where you could receive help like this.
The American Airlines flight did not wait for them and they missed the flight, something that I am sure caused Brenna and Rachel much grief. To be that close and not have them make it, it made my heart break.
I am not sure who got the wheels turning, and I know there are many people that need to be thanked for this, but someone reached high enough to convince South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds to send his private jet so that Brenna was able to be there when Israel's body reached the states.
This show of compassion for the widow of a fallen soldier was amazing. Without their help, Brenna would have missed this, something that should not happen. For that I thank Governor Rounds with all my heart. Thank you for allowing my sister to be there to meet Israel. It means the world to me that a politician would be willing to help someone like this in their time of need.
There was no announcement on Governor Rounds' website of his great deed. If more politicians acted with their hearts, this country would be a much better place.
They found that the only flight out of Fargo, N.D. that would get them there in time would be leaving before they could reach the airport.
This is where the first thanks happens. Thank you to the Roberts County Sherrif Department for stepping in and helping Brenna reach Fargo as quickly as possible. There are very few places where you could receive help like this.
The American Airlines flight did not wait for them and they missed the flight, something that I am sure caused Brenna and Rachel much grief. To be that close and not have them make it, it made my heart break.
I am not sure who got the wheels turning, and I know there are many people that need to be thanked for this, but someone reached high enough to convince South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds to send his private jet so that Brenna was able to be there when Israel's body reached the states.
This show of compassion for the widow of a fallen soldier was amazing. Without their help, Brenna would have missed this, something that should not happen. For that I thank Governor Rounds with all my heart. Thank you for allowing my sister to be there to meet Israel. It means the world to me that a politician would be willing to help someone like this in their time of need.
There was no announcement on Governor Rounds' website of his great deed. If more politicians acted with their hearts, this country would be a much better place.
Israel O'Bryan R.I.P.
On Friday, June 11, 2010, my sister Brenna lost her husband, Israel O'Bryan to a suicide bomber in Iraq.
The news shocked our family and brought sadness to us all. He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq and was scheduled to come home in July.
I remember the first time I got to meet Izzy. We had Thanksgiving in 2007 at Theresa and Dean's in Wichita and Brenna was surprising mom and dad by bringing him to meet everyone.
We were all excited to meet this boy that had captured Brenna's attention and knew that he must be special. He was a quiet guy at first, but opened up and we had a great time.
Brenna and Izzy had served in Iraq together the first time, but had decided that nothing could happen while they were both over there and waited till they returned. They were married on December 29, 2007 and things were great. The wedding was a lot of fun and everyone quickly took to Izzy.
Unfortunately with Brenna and Izzy being stationed in Washington, we didn't get to see them much, but we tried to keep in touch. It was so exciting last year when they had Turner and made their family whole.
Brenna moved back to Mom and Dad's when Israel went back to Iraq for the second time and I don't know how her and Rachel did it, being away from Izzy and Scott so much, but it was working for them.
I didn't get to know Izzy as well as I would have liked to. I know that he loved Brenna and Turner and I'm sure he was excited to see them again. I am also very proud that Ihave a family with so many military ties that have served our country to the fullest. I just wish Israel didn't have to give everything in that quest.
Many of you have offered your condolances on Facebook and other mediums, and I thank you for that. This is such a difficult time for everyone and it helps greatly to know that so many people care for and love Brenna and Turner.
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