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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
May 22, 2012 - 5:37:21 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
Source - Guardian Fort Polk
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| After recovering from the initial shock and awe of learning that his surprise party included a formation of Soldiers, Brennan is inducted into the Army as an Honorary Soldier; Capt. Gabriel Araujo swears Brennan in and another Soldier presents him with a certificate of his induction into the Army. |
FORT POLK, Louisiana - On Saturday, Feb. 26, a 9-year-old boy arrived with his father to the Chateau du Bon Reve - which translates, from French, to the Castle of Good Dreams - a reception hall in Sulphur built to resemble a medieval castle. The boy, Brennan Daigle, often went fishing at the hall with his father - there is a pond surrounding the castle stocked with fish, and this fishing trip was a precursor to his 10th birthday party - but this day would be different. Brennan caught no fish; instead, awaiting him were more than 40 Fort Polk Soldiers in full formation and standing at attention.
No company commander called them to attention, nor was the National Anthem being played. The 40 members of Fort Polk's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and members of the Louisiana National Guard stood at attention for Brennan Daigle.
Brennan was diagnosed in October 2009 with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer in which muscular tumors attach themselves to bone. The healthy young boy of 8, spindly and growing, began to lose weight and grow pale as the chemotherapy treatments he underwent took their toll.
By October 2010, the tumor had grown in size and mutated.
On Feb. 10 of this year, Brennan's doctor gave his mother and Brennan the worst news of their lives: There was nothing more they could do for him.
"The doctor told him they'd done everything they could and that he probably had two weeks left to live. So she sent him home to be with us," his mother said.
There would be no more needles.
After the doctor left the room, Brennan and his mother were left to absorb the news; Brennan's mother had to come to terms suddenly with the fact that she would lose her only son and there was nothing in her power that could save him. The power to save, or accept, would have to come from beyond: From the family's faith.
"I know that with faith in God I'll be OK," he said. "I think God will lead me."
Still, Brennan does not want to die. After hearing the news that he was being sent home to spend his last days with his parents and sister, he said so to his mother.
"I won't see you every day," Brennan said to his mother.
"Oh, Brennan," she answered, "you'll be able to walk hand in hand with your grandma who's already in heaven, and you'll see us again."
Even with his intense faith, Brennan is a typical 10-year-old; he enjoys fishing, having sleepovers with his best friend, Kaleb, and playing video games, many of which glorify combat and victory.
Brennan also loves all things Army.
As his mother planned a cancer society fund-raiser event, Brennan suggested a G.I. Joe theme. The image of a strong and healthy man battling his enemies connected with Brennan, who was fighting his own battle. Days later, Brennan and his family learned that his tumor was still growing.
To keep all of his family and friends apprised of his condition, his mother created a Facebook page, called, aptly, "Brennan's Brigade," with pictures and hundreds of comments from people around the world - including Soldiers who have written comments of encouragement.
"Many of these Soldiers write things like, ‘we're over here fighting for our country while you're at home fighting for your life,'" said Daigle.
"We even got a picture of Soldiers surrounding a HMMWV in Afghanistan, holding an American flag, who gave him the message ‘We're flying this flag in honor of you; we're here to back you. Stay Army strong.'"
From the "Brennan's Brigade" page, Brennan began developing bonds with some of the Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. He met one of the Soldiers who came home from overseas; that Soldier gave Brennan the X Box game "Call of Duty: Black Ops." The Soldier, Adam Langley, often plays the game with Brennan online.
"It's Brennan's favorite game," his mother said.
He could not have guessed that for his 10th birthday, like an image from the game he loves, he would be surrounded by a formation of Soldiers or that he would ride in a camouflaged HMMWV.
Instead, this past Saturday, Feb. 26, as Brennan dreamed of reeling in a fish or three, he stepped out of his father's truck to the sight of the 1st MEB Soldiers, all standing at attention in front of a National Guard HMMWV. Brennan stood still, wide-eyed, uncomprehending. Then everyone - about 400 people - shouted "Happy Birthday, Brennan!" in unison and the entire crowd broke out in applause.
"When he realized it was a surprise, and for him, he couldn't say anything. All he could do was giggle. He was speechless," said his mother.
A simpler party had been planned for Brennan, who had asked for an Army-themed birthday celebration.
"He was under the impression that there would be a little birthday party this coming weekend," said his mother. "He had no idea about the castle, and we (her husband and daughter) had no idea that the Army would send Soldiers to fulfill Brennan's wish," - the wish to meet Soldiers before his illness worsens.
That wish was facilitated by Becky Prejean, executive director of "Dreams Come True of Louisiana." Prejean heard through word of mouth about Brennan and contacted his mother.
"Kristy said he had two days to two weeks to live and asked if we did parties. He wanted an Army-themed party, so I contacted Katey Husband, Fort Polk community member and mother of a ‘Dreams Come True' child, who contacted Tresa Lawson, Fort Polk's Community Relations Officer."
Lawson asked for five to six Soldier volunteers; 40 answered the call.
"Words can never express what I felt seeing all those Soldiers there, knowing some of them had just come back from Iraq and still took time out for just one little boy," said Kristy Daigle. "Just to know that they care enough to give their all, to give their love and support to a little boy is phenomenal. It says so much about our men and women who serve our country in the armed forces."
As Brennan recovered from his initial surprise, Soldiers invited him to examine the HMMWV; he climbed in the driver's seat and took the wheel, smiling widely. Then, Soldiers took Brennan and his best friend Kaleb for a ride in the HMMWV. Afterwards, Brennan and Kaleb stood out from the hatch at the top of the vehicle, posing as hundreds of cameras flashed.
After the HMMWV ride, Brennan walked to the front of the formation and each Soldier shook his hand. He was inducted as an honorary member of the Army, given a coin symbolizing merit and achievement of excellence and presented with passels of presents ranging from a military jacket with his first name embroidered on the pocket, an Army hat, his own personalized dog tags and a rucksack. Brennan stood still, accepting the gifts quietly but with a smile.
"I'm a little shy," Brennan said later.
One of the dog tags presented to Brennan was inscribed with the seven Army values: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal service.
"Brennan, you exemplify what personal courage means," said Pfc. Kamesha Starkey, 1st MEB.
Chris Duncan, the mayor of Sulphur, honored Brennan with a key to the city and the title of Honorary Mayor of the Day; afterwards, Soldiers mingled for a while, talking with Brennan and his friends and family. Some hugged Brennan, some simply stood and watched in groups as Brennan explored his gifts.
Many of the Soldiers - even seasoned ones who have seen battle - were at a loss for words as they observed Brennan's quiet grace.
"This event is a profound one. A lot of us just wanted to be there for him, show him we support him totally," said Sgt. Joe M. Battle, 1st MEB public affairs. "But I can't say it wasn't hard emotionally."
Pfc. Kyle Frederick added, "It was good to be able to give back. It opened my eyes to a lot of things: How I take my kids for granted, how lucky we are, how we complain on a day-to-day basis and we really have it good compared to others."
A reception was held in the castle, with barbecue and a three-tiered birthday cake. The cake was decorated with an Army emblem. Brennan made the ceremonial first cut, and picked the prime piece for himself: The piece with the emblem.
After people ate, chatted and gave Brennan more hugs than most people receive in a lifetime, he sat down to open the dozens of birthday presents guests had brought for him. Like every younger sibling, as he pulled out tissue paper from gift bags, he handed all the bits and scraps to his older sister Lauren, 11.
The next day, on the way to school - Brennan still attends third grade every day - he asked his mother "Am I really in the Army?"
"You most certainly are," she said. "They don't just swear in anyone!"
"That's awesome," he said.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Brennan is presented with, among many other necessities for a Soldier, an Army Combat Uniform blouse, complete with Airborne patches and his first name embroidered on the front. The Soldiers fit Brennan s jacket precisely, making sure he will pass muster with any commanding officer. |
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| Left: Members of the Louisiana National Guard brought a HMMWV to the celebration - Brennan takes the wheel with the approval of Spc. Christopher DeGrange, left, and Pfc. Christopher Presley. Later, he was driven around the grounds in the HMMWV, smiling widely all the while. |
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| As Brennan greets each Soldier standing in formation, shaking their hands, one of the Soldiers gives a hug instead of a handshake. |
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| A Fort Polk Soldier presents Brennan with an MP3 player, which will come in handy: Brennan receives several compact discs later on that day. |
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| Brennan is presented with, among many other necessities for a Soldier, an Army Combat Uniform blouse, complete with Airborne patches and his first name embroidered on the front. The Soldiers fit Brennan s jacket precisely, making sure he will pass muster with any commanding officer. |
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Madison
06 May 2011, 16:25
Hey Brennan I know you passed away but I pray for you every single day
everybody in this world does even ypur parents and ypur familey everybody
you want be alone in heavan you want WE LOVE YOU BRENNANA WE ARE WITH YOU
EVERY MINUTE AND EVERY DAY YOU ARE IN MY PRAY WE LOVE YOU BRENNA.
Mireya
06 May 2011, 10:19
Don't know if you are aware that Brennan passed away
Jen
05 May 2011, 11:30
Whether or not you are members of Brennan's Brigade, please keep his family
in your thoughts and/or prayers. Brennan passed away this morning 5/5/11.
Rest in Peace Colonel Brennan, we will miss you always.
Darlena
29 Mar 2011, 16:44
Brennan, you are an inspiration to me. Happy belated birthday! You will be
in my prayers.
Bill Morgan
13 Mar 2011, 14:46
I am National Commander for the Veterans of Underage Military Service. We
have found nearly 3,000 members from all branches of service that joined
the military at ages 12-16. Yes, all before age 17. We have retired Army
Generals as well as Retired Navy Admirals. It follows that many went in
during the war served 2-3 years and then back to school or on to work.
Today, Our average age is 83. Frank Buckles our oldest member passed away
at age 110 Feb w8, 2011. We thank you greatly for what you have done for
Brennan.
Cadet Cpl. Trevor Tornquist
11 Mar 2011, 12:09
Well 1 SGT. Daigle, all i can say is that is probably the happiest ive ever
been. if you didnt have cancer i would be honored to serve with you in the
army.
live by your army values and be Army Strong!
HOOAHH!!!
Wagwona Joel- Uganda
11 Mar 2011, 00:55
Am a writer from Uganda and when I saw this in yahoo news,this boy became
an inspiration for me. I had just written a thought a bout courage in which
I said that courage is the determination to stand on a wire at a risk of
breaking. In otherwords, it's the voice that says within you that you can't
be stopped now, keep going and that you would rather die standing thyan on
your knees. Brennan is surely a testament to courage. I then learnt that
dreams don't come true just for any one. It takes a special dreamer to have
his dreams come true. It also caused me to think how many times i have had
dreams and let them go simply because i became overwhelmed by the complexty
of the prevailing circumstances around me. Dreams surely come true for
Brennan dreamers who keep dreaming no matter the circumstances around them.
They refuse to wake up from the dream until they wake in the reality of the
dream.Brennan,this world of ours needs you and for the short time so far
lived, you have impacted it profoundly and the God of all grace who calls
us to share in His eternal glory with Christ Jesus will keep you alive and
defeat the sting of death forever and you will live in perfect health. If
you let me, I promise to write a book in honour of your courage.
I love you Brennan and there is an old military adage which says that
"never share a fox hole with someone braver than you" but you are braver
than that cancer and it's got to check out of your body!
cinnamon
09 Mar 2011, 12:12
I have a ten year old son, so as I read this I couldn't help but weep at
the thought of the illness, the suffering, the prognosis -- all of it. I am
praying God will send a miracle and allow you to live and fulfill your army
mission!
I also have a son who would be 8. We lost him to SIDS when he was 2 months
old. I pray that your parents never know the pain and hurt that comes with
sending your son on to be with the Lord.
I will say, though, that God is able, and He is strong, and mighty and
faithful. He has seen us through this life without our son. Though it would
be sweet to see him here on Earth, I know the reunion in Heaven will be
sweeter than anything I can comprehend.
If you get there before I do, say hi to my Tommy for me. Tell him I love
him. I am sure you would make great friends.
Derek
09 Mar 2011, 11:03
What rank is he? :)
Anthony Shimboff ( Families for Life)
09 Mar 2011, 10:30
Brennan,
Brother Brennan, I will have you in my familys prayers everyday. I
couldn't help but cry as I read all of this. I have to say from a
christians perspective, its a win, win. If you leave us on this earth you
get to go to a much much better place and if God sees that you should stay,
you are blessed with SOOO many people that love you. God Bless you brother.
Donna
09 Mar 2011, 06:43
I will keep Brennan and his family in my prayers. I am from Lake Charles
and just read about Brennan on Yahoo News. I pray for all soldiers everyday
so I will add this new soldier to my prayers.
I didn't post the whole peom but it made me think of Brennan and his brave
fight.
There is discipline in A Soldier
you can see it when he walks,
There is honor in A Soldier
you hear it when he talks.
There is courage in A Soldier
you can see it in his eyes,
There is loyalty in A Soldier
that he will not compromise.
There is something in A Soldier
that makes him stand apart,
There is strength in A Soldier
that beats from his heart.
A Soldier isn't a title any man
can be hired to do,
A Soldier is the soul of that man
buried deep inside of you.
A Soldier's job isn't finished after
an 8 hour day or a 40 hour week,
A Soldier is always A Soldier
even while he sleeps.
A Soldier serves his country first
and his life is left behind,
A Soldier has to sacrifice what
comes first in a civilian's mind.
Chamara
09 Mar 2011, 03:25
Devi Pihitai (May God Protect you) Brennan,
You've shown the courage of a strong boy to the world. As a father of
three, my self and my family will Pray for you son
God Bless You.
Chamara from Colombo Sri Lanka
Geoffrey-KENYA
09 Mar 2011, 01:45
Brennan;tears are streaming down my cheeks as i write this comment,I know
for every supernatural experience there must be a supernatural approach and
I know God is a caring Lord and in Jesus Name you will not die.....A
miracle is going to happen in Jesus Mighty Name.
I PRAY,
ETERNAL GOD,IN WHOM MERCY IS ENDLESS AND THE TREASURY OF COMPASSION
INEXHAUSTIBLE;PLEASE LOOK KINDLY UPON THIS LITTLE BOY AND INCREASE YOUR
MERCY IN HIM THAT IN THIS DIFFICULT MOMENT HE MIGHT NOT DESPAIR NOR BECOME
DESPONDENT BUT WITH GREAT CONFIDENCE SUBMIT TO YOUR HOLY WILL WHICH IS LOVE
AND MERCY....
AMEN
Wally Hobbit
08 Mar 2011, 21:22
Hope you had a happy birthday Brennan. You are an inspiration for us all.
It is people like you that make the United States of America a great
nation. Army Strong.
A Blessed Friend
08 Mar 2011, 21:05
Shalom Brennan,
In the name of my Heavenly Father
In the name of my Heavenly Brother
In the name of my Heavenly Mother
I command your illness to shrivel and die and you to flutter and live. In
the name of the Father it shall be
Yahmein
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Dianna
08 Mar 2011, 20:55
Happy Birthday Brennan!
I am praying to God for you!
You are loved and you are so special!!! The world is a better place because
you have been here with us!!
God bless you and your whole family!!
Love and Hugs~
Dianna
(all the way from California)
kenny smith
08 Mar 2011, 20:49
My prayer is with this young soldier and his friends. Thank you so much our
soldiers, many of you probably left your kids, your wounds and your pains
to show Brennan that he is a brave guys. Brennan keep fighting for God is
the giver of life and unto Him our eyes are steadfast on. He said we would
receive when we believe and on behalf of our brave soldier, Brennan, we ask
for a new lease in life. let there be a miracle in his household and only
You can do it. To his parents i ask for greater strength for we have
nowhere to turn to but only You.
Reetam
08 Mar 2011, 20:24
Dear Brennan,
Today what happened might seem like a miracle to you, but it happened.
I am with your parents and all well-wishers, pray for another miracle which
will surely happen and you will live a brave and happy life.
Have courage and stay strong, you little fella, we love you.
Lots of love and best wishes from India,
Reetam
Jobim Zabala
08 Mar 2011, 19:03
Happy Birthday. I will pray for you forever. stay strong.
dave walters
08 Mar 2011, 08:33
HAPPY B-DAY LITTLE BROTHER, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY.
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