He was only 22 and, although he loved me, he never got to meet my little brother. A faulty airplane and an arrogant commanding officer took him and 42 other young men from their families forever. Regardless, to me and my brother, he will forever be 22 and a hero.
How has the loss of your parent impacted your family?
Losing my Daddy destroyed my life as well as my brother's and grandparents.
What did you love most about your parent?
My Daddy was killed when I was 18 months old.
What do you miss most about your parent?
His presence in my life.
What has been the greatest challenge since the loss of your parent?
Rising above the the life I had due to being raised by the "parent" we were left with.
What message would you like to share with families with a loved one still serving in the military?
Make sure you let them know you love them and you are proud of them.
What message would you like to share with other Gold Star families?
You are not alone.
What was your parent’s relationship like with you?
I have pictures of a very loving young man and letters he wrote to my grandparents.
He was always concerned with my happiness and good health.

Tammy Bryant, Child