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Brian Mintzlaff Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Mintzlaff
Justin
June 18, 2024
I miss you man. Not a day in my life that I don´t think about you. I´ll never forget how much you taught me. All the discipline, all the long hours of putting in the work to be a better Soldier and a person. Keep watching over me. Cowboy 5 out
Charles Mintzlaff
February 7, 2024
I'm having some real problems this year Son. Looks like I'll need some help.
Vinnie Miraflor
December 20, 2022
Brother Mintzlaff,
You're gone but not forgotten!!
Rest in Peace brother!!!
Vinnie
Charles H. Mintzlaff
December 19, 2022
They came yesterday.
Staggering, trying to adjust to a world without you.
Rebel must be there at all costs. She would have wanted to say goodbye.
Complications.
Mud + cold.
God I miss you son, SO much!!!!!!!!
pearl power
September 23, 2022
Miss you dad
You´d be so proud
Charles H. Mintzlaff
May 30, 2022
The pendulum swings back, and forth, from hot angry tears that cannot contemplate why, to that hollow, empty feeling of helplessness that cannot be fulfilled.
You are missed, and loved, and needed more than ever.
RIP Brian Lee Mintzlaff
Dad
Charles Mintzlaff
December 18, 2021
It's been fifteen years Brian. Twelve more days until Rebel and I lay you to rest.
Miss you more than ever.
God Bless
Dad
Keith Adkins
May 29, 2021
Brian Lee Mintzlaff, You and family are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. May your memory be eternal ❤❤
Charles Mintzlaff
April 4, 2021
Missing you very, very, very much.
Charles Mintzlaff
December 19, 2020
Hi Son.
No, I didn't forget you. Lord knows I could never do that.
I just couldn't yesterday. I'm not sure why, but each year it gets more difficult instead of easier.
I'm sorry. I really tried Brian. I'm not certain why, but she doesn't want your letters or the CD you made.
Blinking back tears...
God I miss SO much.
Dad
Chuck Mintzlaff
December 19, 2019
Fourteen years ago? Yesterday?
Oh Son, I miss you so much.
Chuck Mintzlaff
May 27, 2019
Thinking of you especially today Son.
Charles Mintzlaff
August 25, 2018
Still miss you as much as I did the day the Chaplain came to my door.
"Time heals all wounds," said the man with no scars on his heart.
God bless you Son.
Maria Brown
May 13, 2018
It is Mother's day today son , this is a day that has forever changed in my life since you were called into eternal life. Momma always has you in my heart , but I am left with empty arm's . That is what makes this day one of my hardest days to go through . I miss you so terribly my precious son . Forever loving you Momma
Maria Brown
October 25, 2017
Happy Heavenly Birthday Son . 45 years ago today you entered this world and gave momma the most beautiful Blessing of my life , For so many reason's I have always been so very proud of you my son . I am so grateful for the time that God shared you with me , although now I am left with empty arm's and miss you terribly ...I also know , that God really needed his Angel to come home into the light of love ....assignment was well done Brian Lee ! I Love You my Babyboy ...Eternally ~
PS: Don't forget to eat a bite of Chocolate cake for Momma feeling thankful
Chuck Mintzlaff
December 18, 2016
Ten years ago today, the Chaplain and WO came to my door. It seems like yesterday.
We all miss you Son, so very, very much.
God bless.
Maria Brown
December 18, 2016
Momma Loves and misses you my baby boy ♥ Everyday ....until we are joined together once again .
RIP son .
You have a beautiful , loving baby girl in Brealyn . I love her .
Gods Blessings ~ My Son ♥
Roger Rickert
December 18, 2016
Rest in Peace Hero our Grateful Nation Salutes You ... Welcome Home
Maria Brown
October 25, 2016
Happy Heavenly Birthday My Precious Son ♥
Momma Loves and Misses you so much .Gods Blessing's be with you .
Maria Brown
May 29, 2016
Like the eternal flame , the light of my love for my Angel son will burn in my heart forever .
Sugar , momma sure does miss you something awful .
God Bless you baby ~
Roger Rickert
December 19, 2015
Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You.... Welcome Home
Maria Brown
December 18, 2015
On this day 2006 you became God's special Angel . I thank God everyday that He blessed me with my very own earth angel for the time that we had together son . You will always be a Blessing to momma no matter where we are . A mother and her son's bond is eternal . The love never dies . My Brian , my son we are Spirit heart's together forever !!
RIP my baby Momma will be with you soon . Gentle Hug's xxxxxx's
Maria Brown
November 26, 2015
My Baby boy , today is a day of thanks and I thank God everyday for blessing me with such a precious son as you Brian Lee . Through the years we shared so much together and the bond of Love between Mother and her son will never be broken . I miss you everyday , to be able to hear that sweet voice and that handsome face , with a smile that lit up a room when you entered . Your special hug's , God , I miss so much . I am Blessed and proud , that I am your mother . RIP my baby boy . I wish you a Blessed Angel Thanksgiving . I Love you Son ...we will be together again .
Maria Brown
September 18, 2015
Momma loves and misses you so very much my beautiful Angel Babyboy B.
Everyday , every hour , for the rest of my life , you are with me in mommas heart .
RIP My Angel
I'll hold you again !
Chuck Mintzlaff
July 16, 2015
I am doing my very best to keep my promise to you Son.
I hope you will understand.
We all miss you dearly.
God bless you, for being you.
Timothy Stephenson
June 20, 2015
I was Brian's LT during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. We shared so many conversations together and he always talked about his dad and kids. He spoke about how much he loved you all so much. When I heard of his passing a few years ago, my heart was crushed. Brian was such a big hearted, full of love, and compassionate man. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I'm so proud of him for what he accomplished and you should all know, he was a great Soldier!
MAJ Tim Stephenson
Vinnie Miraflor
May 25, 2015
Brother Mintzlaff,
It was a pleasure and honor to serve with you at HHB 1-9 FA in Fort Stewart from 2002 to 2003,and OIF. Had many great conversations with you in Iraq. You're gone but never forgotten. R.I.P. Brother!!
BATTLEKINGS FOR LIFE!!
Roger Rickert
May 24, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones this Memorial Day.
Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You.... Welcome Home
Maria Brown
May 23, 2015
Like the flame that lights this candle , my love for you son will forever burn brightly in my heart .
I miss you with each breath that I take each and everyday and I will until Our Lord brings me home to be once again with my precious baby boy.
RIP My Son
With all of my love
and Gentle Hugs~
Momma
Maighen MacGabhann
March 18, 2015
Overhearing a co-worker watching American Sniper made me instantly think of you. Watching Braelyn grow up, even in my limited capacity as her mom's busy friend, has been such a joy. You'd be so proud of who she's becoming, Brian, and all she's going to do in the future. Her work with Snowball Express amazes me daily, and it's done in your honor - beautiful. I haven't visited this book in a while, but I'm not surprised to see folks still stopping by all these years later. You touched a lot of lives! <3
Roger Rickert
December 21, 2014
Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You... Welcome Home
Chuck Mintzlaff
December 19, 2014
You are loved, and missed, more than ever son.
Rest in Peace
Gene Cranford
December 18, 2014
Its been 8 Years today seems like only yesterday All your friends love and miss you .
Roger Rickert
December 23, 2013
Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You.... Welcome Home
December 19, 2013
They came to my door today, seven years ago, solemn faces with unbearable news. News no father should ever hear.
Help? What help can you give me?
Microsecond flashbacks fill the mind of a staggering body as the world blurs and ceases to exist.
The grim look of righteous indignation and commitment on his face when he bounced into my home office a little after the 9/11 attack stating, "I leave in ten days.'
Bewildered, I asked, "For where?" And he answered, "Afghanistan, they shouldn't have done that."
The proud smile of his first fish caught, the look of thankful appreciation for squeezing another box of .22 ammo out of the family budget, the satisfaction of the milk he'd milked with his own two hands being 'drinking milk,' his mischievous deadly aim with the Sweet Gum seeds 'atomic cannon' from high in the tree house, relishing the homemade Blackberry syrup on pancakes hand-picked the day before, the sullen frown from being scolded for not telling his father he'd outgrown his shoes, the determined grunt of unasked or expected to unload a bag of feed that weighed almost as much as he did, sharing life and swimming at the water hole with 'his Rebel,' the look of devilment when no one could catch them playing tag, steadying a step ladder so his sister could pick the topmost okra, his quick smile and quicker lending a hand to those less fortunate, his mischievous grin when he 'gotchaed,', a father's panic as we raced to Longview only to find out one of the nation's best plastic surgeon's had left for Texarkana - so off we went to make certain there was no scar on your nose from the rock at school, off on the 'Brownie Trail' with the herd and late for supper....
All memories, all gone.
Gone, but not forgotten S/Sgt Brian Lee Mintzlaff.
A son any man would be proud to call his own.
Maria Brown
December 18, 2013
? Momma Loves and is Missing You so very much . Rest peacefully my babyboy , until we're together once again . Your my Angel....Alway's
MARIA BROWN
November 28, 2013
SENDING A HAPPY HEAVENLY THANKSGIVING WISH , VIA MOMMAS HEART TO YOUR ANGEL SPIRIT HEART , MY SON , MY BEAUTIFUL BABYBOY ?
AT THE DINING TABLE THERE IS AN EMPTY CHAIR THAT IS YOURS . BUT IN MY HEART , YOU ARE ALWAY'S BY MY SIDE .
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO , SO VERY MUCH MY BEAUTIFUL SON . FOREVER !
YOUR MOMMA X'S N O'S
Roger Rickert
November 12, 2013
Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You.... Welcome Home
MARIA BROWN
November 11, 2013
IN MY HEART ALWAY'S MY BEAUTIFUL SON . TODAY WE HONOR ALL OF OUR VETERAN'S WHO HAVE GIVEN SO VERY MUCH FOR OUR FREEDOM'S AND COUNTRY . YOU MY SON GAVE YOUR ALL !! MOMMA HAS SO MUCH PRIDE IN YOU , YOU STEPPED UP BECAUSE OF THE LOVE YOUR HEART CARRIED FOR THE HOME IN WHICH YOU ENJOYED , FOR THE LOVE AND PROTECTIVE NATURE FOR YOUR BABYGIRL BREA , YOU ONLY WANTED TO KEEP HER WORLD SAFE , SO SHE WOULD GROW UP FREE AND HAPPY . I LOVE AND MISS YOU EVERY DAY THAT THE GOOD LORD GIVE'S ME LIFE . MY SWEET ANGEL MOMMA HAS YOU TUCKED DEEPLY INTO HER HEART? MAY GOD'S ANGEL'S SURROUND YOU IN COMFORT AND PEACEFULL REST . UNTIL MOMMA HOLD'S YOU ONCE AGAIN ~~~~I LOVE YOU !!!! ETERNAL .
Taylor DuPreey
October 26, 2013
Happy Birthday Brian, I love you and miss you so much. MAAAAAAA!
Love, Tay Tay
Taylor DuPreey
October 26, 2013
Hey Brian,
I want to wish you a wonderful, happy birthday. I love you and I miss you so much. Me, Joyce and Larry are thinking about you all the time and we miss you. Once again, Happy Birthday I love you MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Roger Rickert
October 26, 2013
Happy Heavenly Birthday Hero. Your mom speaks so highly of you. It will truly be an honor to meet you one day. Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You.... Welcome Home
Randy Reynolds
October 25, 2013
Happy birthday Brian we all miss you Larry told me about your Guest Book so will writ you again.
Maria Brown
October 25, 2013
HAPPY ! HAPPY 41st ANGEL BIRTHDAY MY SON ? I PLACED A PIECE OF YOUR CAKE IN FRONT OF AN EMPTY CHAIR THIS MORNING , MATICAOUSLY TIED SPECIAL BALLOONS TO YOUR CHAIR . I AM , IN MY HEART REMEMBERING HOW YOU WOULD DO THE SPEED RUN THROUGH THE HOUSE WITH SUCH EXCITEMENT , JUST TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS IS YOUR SPECIAL DAY AND YOU WERE TO BE SPOILED WITH LOT'S OF ATTENTION ...HAHA . "IT WORKED "
WELL MY SWEET ANGEL , I AM SURE THAT PAPA IS THERE WITH YOU , ALONG WITH CHESTER , SO ENJOY YOUR HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY MY BABYBOY AND KNOW THAT YOUR HELD SO CLOSELY TO MY HEART , NEVER TO BE TAKEN APART . UNTIL I HOLD YOU AGAIN SON .
I LOVE AND MISS YOU WITH EVERY BREATH I TAKE ? GENTLE HUG'S AND A KISS
YOUR MOMMA
MARIA BROWN
May 26, 2013
MY PRECIOUS SON : EVERY MINUTE OF EVERYDAY THAT PASSES BY IN LIFE , MOMMA CARRIES YOU , OUR MEMORIES THAT WE WERE BLESSED TO SHARE TOGETHER ,TIME THAT WILL NEVER DIE IN MY HEART , A LOVE FOR MY SON THAT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER . I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WATCHING OVER ME AS YOU DID IN LIFE AND IN THE LATE NINETIES WHEN FOR THE LAST TIME MOMMA WAS BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO HOLD MY BABYBOY ONE LAST TIME ? ONLY BECAUSE WE WERE SEPERATED BY STATES , NOT BY OUR HEARTS .I CHERISH THAT TIME , I RELIVE THOSE MOMENTS WHEN MY HEART HURTS AND FEELS SO HEAVY BECAUSE OF THE GRIEVING OF BEING PHYSICALLY WITH OUT MY BEAUTIFUL SON . TOMORROW IS MEMORIAL DAY HONEY , OUR CITIZENS WILL TAKE TIME TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR OUR FREEDOMS . I DO THIS EVERYDAY SON , I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR SERVICE , BUT I ALSO REMEMBER THAT AS I AM WRITTING TO YOU THAT THERE ARE OTHERS STILL PERFORMING THERE DUTIES AND SOMEWHERE IN ANOTHER PLACE THERE IS ANOTHER MOTHER , CHILD , FAMILY MEMBER BEING TOLD THAT THERE LOVED ONE JUST PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE . GOD BLESS ALL WHO WILL KNOW THE EMPTINESS ....UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN . MOMMA LOVES YOU ....ETERNAL ?
March 29, 2013
Blessed Easter Son ?
The love in my heart
will always burn brightly
with the precious memories
of holding my son once again in Gods time ..Always !! Gentle Hugs being sent up to you .
Momma Loves you ?
MY BELOVED SON BRIAN LEE AND HIS MOMMA (ME) MARIA ? MOMMA MISSES YOU BABY AND LOVES YOU ETERNALLY . WE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN SON ?
MARIA BROWN
March 29, 2013
December 18, 2012
Blessings from Mommas heart to your Spirit heart my Son . You are always with me my baby and someday we will hold one another again .
This is your Angel anniversary , Momma celebrates your life and sweet memories . God is holding you and I am Loving you . Gentle Hugs and kisses
Momma
Taylor Dupreey
October 25, 2012
Happy birthday I love u maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!
Maria Brown
October 25, 2012
My Son , My Angel : I celebrated your very first birthday when God Blessed me with you 40 years ago today . I held you closely , Love you deeply , as only a mother knows . No one , as you know my babyboy will ever seperate us , no matter where we are . Forever connected by our heart ? Happy ! Happy ! Heavenly Birthday My Son ! I Love You Always ...Gentle Hugs N Kisses.... Momma....RIP in Gods arms
Kelly Ratcliffe
January 8, 2012
To the Family of Brian Mintzlaff,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man. I was friends with Brian when we were stationed together at Fort Stewart. A memory from a long time ago popped into my head and I began a search for a lost friend. I am sorry to see that he was loss to us. He was a great man with a great heart and I know that love will live on with his Daughter, Wife, and Family.
My Regards
SGT Kelly Ratcliffe
Roger Rickert
December 20, 2011
Rest in peace Hero, our grateful nation salutes you.
Welcome Home
Peggy Childers
December 18, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Brian L. Mintzlaff:
Please accept my remembrance of Brian on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Roger Rickert
February 19, 2011
Rest In Peace Hero,a Gratful Nation Salutes You. Look down upon your family and loved ones. Surround them in your love, guide them until one day you meet again. Welcome Home.
A Thankful Vietnam Vet
Never Forgotten...
December 23, 2010
Never Forgotten...
December 23, 2010
Never Forgotten...
December 23, 2010
Never Forgotten...
December 23, 2010
December 19, 2010
Dear Son,
Yesterday? Was it yesterday they came to my door?
They say it was four years ago yesterday. But it seems like only yesterday. God I miss you Son, so much.
I guess you know we lost Grandma Rebel to a severe attack of untreatable Laminitis this summer. I'm sure she came running to you as soon as she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It took us quite a while to adjust to her absence and not being there to take care of us as she always had all those years. Tell her not to worry. We miss her too but are doing better now.
We upgraded your memorial to a granite headstone with gravel and sandbags all around it. The M-16 replica that was broken was replaced with an M-16 training rifle. I hope you like it.
Quite a few friends stopped by and some sent cards and letters again this year to offer their support. I'm sure they meant well, but somehow it just made the fact that your never coming home again worse.
God Bless you Son, and keep you.
As Always,
Dad
Peggy Childers
December 18, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Brian L. Mintzlaff:
Remembering Brian on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
April 6, 2010
Vickie and Toni - I know you probably do not remember me, but I use to ride the bus with all of you when you went to school in Linden, Texas. You were all such sweet kids and I have had all of you on my mind for awhile. I thought I would do a search on the computer and see where you went. That is when I found this page and was totally in shock and heartbroken for all of you. He was such a sweet little boy with huge brown eyes. I loved you all and hoped the best for you. I hope you both are doing well considering the loss of Brian. If you are ever this way again, look me up! May God bless you and your families! Colette Warren Roberts, 903-824-0451, Linden, Texas (Class of '84)
Rita Barlow Jordan
March 19, 2010
Vickie, Toni and Maria...I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Brian. It so saddens me to know that he did not get to live his life as he so deserved. He was such a sweet little boy and so precious to me. My heart goes out to his family that he left behind. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments he made as a man. He was loved by many and will sorely be missed. He is at Peace now and standing beside Our Lord Jesus ...Our Guradian Angel Forevermore.
Dawn Pakula
March 15, 2010
To Victoria and Toni, I'm so sorry we lost Brian. I just recently found out how to get to Brian's memorial page. My memories of you all are from many years ago, but you three always stuck it out together no matter what. I never forget the last time I saw you all in the early 1980's. You all came up to Wisconsin to visit, squashed like sardines in a pick up truck. What a surprise that was! We visited at my Mom's home. (your Aunt Carol's house) I also remember playing with you all at Grandma and Grandpa Betker's home in Arizona in the 1970's. When we were able to get together is was so much fun. Although we've lost touch over the years, I just want you to know how proud I am of Brian's service & sacrifice to our country. I will hold his memory close to my heart. I as a military mother myself can understand how proud you must be to say your brother served his country with honor. May he rest in peace and enjoy heaven to the fullest. Love, Your Cousin Dawn
Donna Gillette
December 25, 2009
On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.
Angie Burke
March 27, 2009
Brian was one of the greatest guys i knew...He is greatly missed
Kenna Larra
February 25, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Justin White
January 16, 2009
It's been over 2 years now. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Brian. He taught me everything I knew in the army. He was one heck of a person. I spent over 2 years under his leadership, and he guided me every step of the way. All I can say is, RIP brother. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again.
John Gunter
January 5, 2009
Folks,
It's been a little over 2 years since Brians death. I was just thinking about what future Brian could have had if he hadn't have died. Easily, easily a SGM. He had that in him, the drive, determination and knowledge to make it not only in the Army but in life. He made a difference with everyone who met him. Why do the good ones die young, or in Brians case young at heart. That's it, ya'll have a good day.
RIP
Brian Mintzlaff
December 18, 2006
Rock Hard FiSTer
In Memory of Brian ~ (Debra Estep)
December 18, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Brian, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
December 17, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Brian L. Mintzlaff:
Brian gaven the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Awa"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
June 16, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Mintzlaff!
Laurie-GOS Carter
January 26, 2008
To Tonie and the extended family of Brian Lee Mintzlaff...my deepest condolences on the loss of such a brave and determined young man. I didn't know Brian except through the love and admiration for him that his dad Chuck remarked upon in numerous conversations.
We must all remember that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE it comes at a terrible price. Brian knew this and STILL he re-enlisted time and time again.
I hope in some small way that by living safe, good lives that he looks down upon us and thinks to himself that we were worth it.
Bless you and may you find inner peace in the knowledge that he is now in the loving arms of his mom who has predeceased him.
To other military personnel who may read this...May God Bless You and keep you safe.
Kelly Musgrave's Class
January 14, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. In honor of Brian, we wrote many letters to his Battalion in Iraq. We hope this will help you be proud of us and feel better. We love you.
BOB DEAR
January 7, 2008
THERE IS NO WORD I AM A VIETAAM VET MAY GOD BLESS BOB DEAR
Rosalyn Ude
December 29, 2007
Jocelyn,
I will never forget what Brian's sacrifice to protect this great country has cost your family and yourself. Remain prayerful and hold steadfast to God's promise that you will see Brian again!
Rosalyn U.
Paul Carlson
November 19, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Mintzlaff,
Thank you for raising such a fine son. Please know that your country shares in and is humbled by your loss. We will never forget Brian.
Scott Wallace
November 18, 2007
My Name Scott Wallace,I am The proud Brother of a United States Soldier.Staff Sgt Mintzlaff I thank you and your family for your service to our country.To the Mintzlaff family I would like to offer my condolences and my sypathy,also my eternal gratitude. I know not your pain and grief of losing a son or family to a war so many miles away, but I do know grief and pain and The Lord knows my share of pain and suffering over the loss of friends and family.I say thank you to you and Staff Sgt.Mintzlaff for his service to his country.I also would like to take a moment and say thankyou to all of the men and women and thier families for thier servise to this country,may God bless you all and send you home safe to your families! My Brother Brian served with your son and and sent me this link to sign this guest book.I do not believe he would ask me to do so if it was not important to him.I am sure that as his friend and his brother he is missed dearly.
Edward A. Hyde
November 17, 2007
Hello, My name is Edward A. Hyde MSGT (Retrired, USMC). I have been and instructor for 8 years during my career in the USMC, and have taught many students from the rank of E-1 to General in all branches of the service. I did this with the love for the service members that have given there tiime and life for those that they love or have loved in this great country that we have. I just wanted to take a moment in prayer and thought for your lost. If I can in anyway or means assist you, or give a helping hand please contact me, we in the corps say once a marine always a marine, and I say that is true and it extends out to all my sisters and brothers in any branch of service. You can contact me by internet on myspace [email protected] email [email protected] or the address below. Thank you for your time and please contact me and my prayers are with you. Ed
Kristi Mann
November 17, 2007
I never knew Brian, but I have began a friendship with Brian Wallace, a young man that served with Brian. I can not say that I know your pain first hand as a mother loosing her son, but I know it as a sister n law loosing her brothr in the war in Iraq. He was also from Ft Hood and was killed 10/09/03 on my daughters first birthday. I am one of the many American Citizens that truly thanks you adn your family for the sacrafices you all have made. Brian is a Hero to my family and I and will always be rememebered. He did not die in vain, that I can promise you. I would be honored to give your family a hero bracelet, from Herobracelets.org if you would allow me too. Please contact me at [email protected] if I may do so. Thank you for your son!!
May God Bless You,
SGT Wallace Brian
November 17, 2007
Bro,
I know you are up there watching over us as we continue what we started 4 years ago when we crossed that berm 19 Mar 03. You left a mark on those you know, and served with. I am proud to say that I served with you on several rotations in Iraq. Peace Bro
Charles McKinney
October 26, 2007
Jocelyn I have misplaced your phone number and my wife and I would like to talk with you. If you still have my email address, please email us.
October 13, 2007
You are cordially invited to attend the “Celebration of Life” Event as we honor and recognize the lives of Our Community Members and Fallen Soldiers we have lost during 2006-2007.
The program includes, a DVD Pictorial Memorial Tribute, Music, Candle lighting, Balloon Release, and Refreshments. Each family receives a personalized ornament to place on a Christmas tree as a remembrance of their loved one.
Families who have experienced loss find this event a wonderful time of remembrance and healing. We would love your family to be apart of this event as our Community joins together to recognize and honor your loved one during this Holiday Season.
We will be honoring all the Fallen Soldiers that were assigned to Fort Hood Texas. If you are not able to attend and would like to send a favorite photo, please feel free to do so.
RSVP By Website www.col2007.com
Call Celebration of Life Staff at 254-245-7061
WE MISS YOU!
October 11, 2007
Tybee Island
October 11, 2007
Back when life was good...
October 11, 2007
Charles McKinney
October 10, 2007
Jocelyn, I am sorry it has taken me so long to write in Brian's guestbook. You may not remember me, I am Bethany's grandpa and we met one evening at cheer practice. After talking with you that night, I felt like I had known Brian for years and was devasted when just a few weeks later heard he had died. My wife Rhonda and I attended his funeral. Little did I know that just a few month's later my son Jeffrey McKinney who had been in the Army for over 19 years would also die. He was based out of Camp Taji and died on July 11, 2007. I still grieve for him every day. Jeff was able to go to Germany for R & R in December and see his new born son. I feel your pain and if there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to contact us.
August 4, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Mintzlaff and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Robyn Garside
April 11, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
BERT HOLLER
April 8, 2007
I DIDN'T KNOW BRIAN BUT I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TO SIGN THIS GUEST BOOK.MY SON-IN-LAW DIED IN IRAQ IN JANUARY OF 2007. NICK WAS IN THE 2/7 CAV AND HAD VOLUNTEERED FOR THE INFANTRY. HE LEFT BEHIND A YOUNG WIFE AND A NEWBORN SON. BECAUSE OF NICK'S DEATH I HAVE DECIDED TO SIGN AS MANY 1ST CAV DIVISION GUEST BOOKS AS I CAN. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS HELPING ME OR THE FAMILIES MORE BUT THIS IS SOMETHING I FEEL I HAVE TO DO. I AM FINDING THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THINGS THAT WE ARE. I DID NOT KNOW NICK AS WELL AS YOU KNEW BRIAN BUT I STILL WAS SHOCKED BY HIS DEATH. NICK AND SARA HAD JUST GOTTEN MARRIED LAST APRIL AND HAD NICHOLAS II IN JANUARY. HE HAD BEEN HERE ON LEAVE FOR THE DELIVERY, SO THAT HE DID GET TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH HIS SON. MOST OF MY TIMES WITH NICK WERE IN THE FUTURE. HE WAS A TOTAL PROFESSIONAL AS A SOLDIER AND A CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN. FROM WHAT I'VE READ OF BRIAN I THINK HE IS THE SAME KIND OF GUY. WE HAVE A PONY THAT NICK HAD RIDDEN SEVERAL TIMES WHEN WE WERE SHOWING HER AT THE FAIR. NOW SHE IS THE SAME PONY WE HOPE NICK II WILL BE ABLE TO RIDE LATER. I PRAY FOR YOU AND CRY WITH YOU. GOD GAVE UP HIS SON SO THAT WE COULD SEE OURS AGAIN. EVEN SO THIS IS THE HARDEST TIME I HAVE EVER HAD. I SALUTE BRIAN FOR HIS UNSELFISH SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND FOR PROTECTING MY FAMILY AS WELL AS YOUR OWN. I AM ALSO CREATING A SMALL MONUMENT FOR NICK BY MAKING SHADOW BOXES WITH HIS PICTURES AND ARMY INSIGNIA. I HAVE SEEN YOUR PICTURES AND AM VERY TOUCHED BY THEM. THANK YOU FOR BEARING YOUR SOUL WITH YOUR PICTURES. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT MANY OTHER AMERICANS ARE SUPPORTING YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU AND FOR US. MY SISTER FEELS THAT NICK IS TEACHING ANGELS THE ARMY WAY AND I HOPE I'M NOT OUT OF LINE BY SAYING BRIAN IS HELPING HIM NOW. THANK YOU,
My Son the Soldier-One of the Best
March 23, 2007
Not in vain....
March 23, 2007
Not in vain....
March 23, 2007
Not in vain....
March 23, 2007
Brian and his 'Rebel'
Charles Mintzlaff
March 23, 2007
It has been three months.
Nothing has changed.
They still say you are not ever coming back, that you will never pop in again through my doorway.
As I read the entries, my vision blurs, the room tilts, and a flood of memories surge through my mind.
A small boy, unasked, unexpectedly throwing a sack of feed over his shoulder that weighed more than he did to help his Dad, or that same small boy begging for more rounds for his .22 to later become a sharpshooter in the U. S. Army.
Your 'Brownie Trails' through the woods, planting garden, riding Rebel bareback/no tack getting the neighbor's horses back to them, fishing for that 'big one,' the 'Aggies against the Rebels' badminton games with your sisters and I, milking-feeding-raising the goats, kite flying and 'boat racing' in the ditch at springtime, racing around the state finding a plastic surgeon for the cut you got on your nose at school, watching a young man proudly dangle in a boatswain's chair high in the air on an office building as you entered the workforce on your own terms, your tumultuous adjustments to adult life, and many, many more merge into some flickering whirlpool kaleidoscope mixture of emotion and an integral part of my life.
I miss you Son. I miss you so much. No matter where we were, no matter what we were doing, we always knew we would have someone to back us up. Now I am alone. No Brian to back me up when the 'chips are down.' And no Son to call at three in the morning in trouble and needing Dad.
I was so proud of your accomplishments and achievements in the Army. It seems 'family first' carried on into your Army life as well.
I think your Rebel knew we were saying good-bye to you as she waited after being the riderless horse in the funeral procession. She kept calling and calling to you. I hope you heard her. She still loves you as much as she loved that small boy she adopted so may years ago.
An all-consuming void fills my soul, and grows each day, instead of fading. For a while, feeling lost, helpless, cheated, trapped with absent nothingness and finality of death, I thought I was going to lose my mind. So I put up a memorial in your honor on the knoll by the hay barn in the hope that others may take notice of your sacrifice, and the emptiness of an old man's heart.
God Bless you Son, and keep you.
Dad
Joyce DuPreey
February 27, 2007
HEY YOU ,
I MISS YOU .SO VERY MUCH ,SO DOES TAYLOR AND THE 'OLD MAN'TONI,THIS IS GRAMMYJOYCE,I AM NOT VERY GOOD AT THIS .BUT I JUST WANTED TO WRITE SOMETHING TO BRIAN .HE WAS THE GREATEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENEDTO ME IN MY WHOLE LIFE .WE LOVED HIM SO MUCH .THE TEN YEARS THAT WE KNEW HIM .HE WAS LIKE OUR SON, I KNOW HE IS WATCHING OVER ALL OF US . JOYCLYN AND BRAELYN ,WILL ALWAYS BE APART OF OUR LIVES ,I HOPE TO BRAES GRAMMYJOYCE FOREVER,AND JOYCLYN ,I HOPE WILL BE MY OTHER DAUGHTER. I LOVR HER SO MUCH .BECAUSE OF HER AND BRAE, I CAN STILL BE CLOSE TO BRIAN.TONI, HOW ARE YOU ? THERE IS SO MUCH TO SAY ,I JUST DON'T KNOW TO PUT EVERYTHING INTO WORDS .EXCEPT I LOVE AND MISS BRIAN TERRIBLY . SO GOOD NIGHT MY SWEET ANGEL .MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
LS (Canadian Forces) Diana Cornwell
February 5, 2007
To my brother in arms...I salute and graciously thank you and your family for the sacrifice you took to uphold both your beliefs and mine. I thank God for his care of you know as you rest. I pray that each and everyone of the people that you touched in your lifetime remember to love you for who you were and the job you did for us. Thank you Brian.
SSG Kenneth Sutton
February 4, 2007
Joscelyn, I am so sorry it took me this long to find this page. If you need anything don't hesitate to call and ask. I love the old man like a brother and i still think about him every day. Even after the ammount of time that has passed when i stumbled across this web page it brought me to tears. Brian will never be forgotten by any of us and the world is a lesser place without him. We were all blessed to be a part of his life. I can't imagine how you must feel after all of this, but I do know that we can still smile because of the good memories he left everybody with. He is home now, and his struggle is over. please call if you need anything at all. my deepest sorrow goes out to you and Brea.
Rhiannon Metheny
February 2, 2007
Dear Jocelyn and Braelyn,
My heart is with you two. I think of Brian EVERYDAY. I miss him more than I can say and I can't imagine how you must feel. Just know that he will never be forgotten. I send my love and Josh's, Jasmine's and Logan's as well. He was a brother to me and an Uncle to Jasmine.
Glen
January 29, 2007
“Soldier”
To Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
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