Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys

American Hero Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys, 20, New Tripoli, Pa.

Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys of New Tripoli was 20 when his life was taken by the enemy. The attack on America on September 11, 2001 had a strong effect on Brandon, then 14, and he vowed to step up to defend his country. He was in Iraq for only 3 weeks when he was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade while his unit was attempting to secure an area along the Euphrates River against insurgents. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys died while protecting his battalion commander. He is a true American Hero, if ever there was one - a man among men. May God grant him peace.

Music by Randy Travis
Photos by Wayne Lutz and Mary Conboy
Freedom by Cpl Carl Johnson and the American Armed Forces.
Respect by the Patriot Guard Riders.