Today my wife and I attended the funeral of our friend, Sergeant First Class Brian Mancini.
Brian was medically retired after over 12 years of service in the US Army. He had received two Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Air Assault Badge and Flight Medic Badge.

When Brian was serving as a Combat Medic in his second tour of Iraq, the Humvee he was riding in took a hit from an IED. The injuries that he sustained were catastrophic. He was a full code (IIRC) 3 times during the first surgery to save his life. His struggle post injury spanned years of surgeries, rehab, occupational therapy, and battling PTSD.
His struggle was documented in the segment: In Deep Shift.

It is that battle with PTSD that led Brian to be the Founder and Executive Director of Honor House. Many vets that had trouble adjusting after coming home from combat were helped by Brian and the family and friends of Brian.

Brian wrote:
Don't you dare pity me, for I live pity free.
I would do it all over again, if need be,
For this great nation 'tis of thee.
I stand tall and proud, so don't you dare pity me,
for I live and will die pity-free.
No matter how mangled my body it may be,
the scars and the pain are simple reminders, you see,
the scarifices made for the land of the free.
There are many more who have given more than me.
So I honor them by living pity-free.
I truly have lived better, living pity-free.
So I have one request, can you do it for me?
Please don't you dare pity me, for I live proud and pity-free.

We are very proud and blessed to have known him.



Sgt. First Class Brian Mancini took his own life on Monday March 6th.

RIP Sergeant.

Condolences to his loved ones and friends.

I am very sorry Mitch.

RIP Brian.

Prayers for him and his family. May he rest in peace.

Courageous man.

I work with men like this everyday @ the VA.
Not sure how strong I am any more.
Their stories are taking a toll.

This story reminds me of my calling... to assist.
Men of such courage yet so wounded.

Thank you for sharing another reminder that the "price of freedom is visible here".

Our country was made great by selfless folks such as this. He will missed and his contributions never forgotten. God bless, RIP Brian Mancini

RIP, thank you

Another good man gone. Prayers for his eternal peace in a far, far, better place.

Rest in Peace Sir, You have earned it. God Bless

Rest In Peace Sgt. Mancini.

Your honorable service to our great nation is duly noted by me.

Thanks for posting that. RIP

RIP, all our prayers.....

He wrote some powerful words. RIP sir.

Sounds like a mighty fine American!

RIP Sergeant and thank you for your service.

RIP Sgt. Mancini.

Tears, and I'm not much one for them.
Whereever you are, you have broken the teathers. Charlie Mike, Sgt Mancini

Very sorry to hear of that. RIP Sgt. God Bless you for your service. We say thanks.

May his chopper come in to a cold LZ in heaven.