TALLAHASSEE, FL, US
U.S. Army
PFC, BATTERY A, 1ST BN, 320TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGT, 2 BCT, FORT CAMPBELL, KY
07/14/2010, KAF, AFGHANISTAN
For so many who gathered at Christian Heritage Church Saturday morning, Private First Class Brandon King is war hero; a man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. A man deserving of a hero’s farewell. But to his grieving mother Freda, he’s the son she’ll never see again. And she’s the heart broken mother who only has her faith to hold on to.
Brandon was born on September 22, 1986 in Key West, FL and attended public schools in Bellevue and Kent, Washington. He was a true gamer and always enjoyed a spirited game of spades. Brandon joined the Army in September 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in April 2010. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in Fort Campbell, Ky.
23-year-old Brandon King died on July 14th in an attack by anti-afghan forces. Close friends and family, and even some who didn’t know King filled the sanctuary to pay their respects.
“At first I was angry. He is a hero and he’s going to be a hero forever whether he’s in glory with God or here on earth with us,” said family friend Lolita Dash-Pitts.
Behind the uniform, those who knew him say, King was man who loved to smile, joke, and especially loved his family. And today was testament to how much he was loved back.
“Thank you. You’re there defending us. You’re there, whether you agree with it or not, you’re there making it to where we can live the life we live every day. So all I can say and think is thank you,” said friend Kelly Wolmack.
Private First Class King was awarded a purple heart for his service, which was presented to his mother during today’s service.
Brandon is survived by his parents, USCG Ret. Gary S. and Carolyn A. King of Tallahassee; brother, Sgt. G. Stephen King, II of Camp LeJeune; and sister Porsche (Clifton) Knight.
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