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Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:45 PM

Mother recalls ‘inspirational’ Guard

By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer

It was a breathtaking sight, Donna Hollon said.

More than 200 Patriot Guard members lined the sidewalks of Ottawa University last year, where friends and family had gathered for the funeral of her son, Micheal Brown, who died while serving overseas in the Army.

Guard members stood silently in rows bearing American flags.

“It was totally overwhelming,” Hollon, Williamsburg, said.

Spec. Brown, Williamsburg, died Oct. 16, 2007, in Germany of a non-combat related illness at the age of 20.

Now, more than one year later, and despite support from friends, the Williamsburg community and her church, Hollon continues to struggle with her son’s death.

“You just never get over losing one of your children,” she said.

Brown served in the Army two years and was an aviation operations specialist assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley. It was his second deployment. He was in Tikrit, Iraq, before being flown to Germany.

He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal posthumously.

Brown’s body was escorted to Ottawa by members of the Patriot Guard — and guard members turned out en masse for his funeral, lining the sidewalks around Ottawa University’s Chapel and along Cedar Street.

Hollon said members of the Patriot Guard talked to the family and offered them hugs and handshakes. They also presented Brown’s grandmother with a special flag.

“They were very honorable,” Hollon said. “What they do for our soldiers is very heartfelt and inspirational.”

Hollon said interactions with the Patriot Guard didn’t stop after her son’s funeral. She said she and her family stop and talk to guard members when they see them around town.

“They ask how we’re doing,” she said. “These people are very inspirational and were good to us and good to my son.”

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.

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Mother recalls ‘inspirational’ Guard

By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.