Brett Hershey Obituary

Spc. Brett Hershey was recently killed in Afghanistan.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Mar. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Brett Hershey

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308 Entries

Another year has gone by and, though you are never far from the minds of the people who love you, it is a day to remember. Your great sacrifice will never be forgotten and you are at peace with the Lord.

Earl & Donna

Other

May 28, 2023

I didn't know Brett, but I'm moved by the stories and videos shared. We will not forget.

Raphael

Other

June 1, 2022

He is remembered. I will have a bourbon this evening in his honor

Joshua Copeland

May 30, 2022

I didnt have the privilege to know him. But, as a fellow soldier, I will honor him. He gave his life to protect our way of life.

Jesse Benge

May 30, 2022

Hey Brett, that time of year again. Thank you for your sacrifice, I pray for your family's peace on days like today, now that I am a father myself, I can not imagine losing my daughter before I go meet the Lord. Stay safe and make sure to hydrate, stand at rest brother!

Sean Merat

May 30, 2022

We remember you Brett and our prayers are for your family at this time.

Earl & Donna

Other

May 28, 2022

This and every Memorial Day we think of you, and I hold your sister close in my heart.

Lauren

Friend

May 27, 2022

I´ve been to this message board I dont know how many times but cant ever seem to write anything. A lot of mornings I wake up and first thought is you followed by guilt. It´s my dreams that keep a constant reminder of you. I struggle a lot, I just need to talk with you one more time to say I´m sorry and I miss you.

Harry Hutton

Other

January 5, 2022

Remembering you today buddy!

John Pittman

Served In Military Together

May 31, 2021

Remembering Brett and his ultimate sacrifice and praying for the Hershey family for peace that passes all understanding - Philippians 4:6.

Donna & Earl

May 31, 2021

Such a sweet--strong fellow!

WARREN CULWELL

Friend

May 30, 2021

Today we remember. Today, we both teared up thinking of the memories. For me it was all the fun from high school... for Jason it was the memories from being deployed together. As we look at our my 5 month old son, Beckett Brett Miller, we pray that we can instill the same amazing qualities and love for God Brett had. His legacy continues to live on. Roxanne & Roger, thinking of you today and often!

Jason & Mandy (Madden) Miller

Served In Military Together

March 26, 2021

I remember.

March 26, 2021

Hersh - thinking of you this 9/11. What a great guy. I remember you always had a smile on your face. Also, remember you going room to room asking people at the fraternity if they wanted to play basketball or join bible study... friendly, persistent, happy and always with a smile on his face. We need more people like you. RIP my friend -JDB

John D-B

Friend

September 12, 2020

I remember.

March 26, 2020

Thinking of you, Brett.

15 years went by so fast. never forget.

Trish Boyd

March 26, 2020

I will never forget you!

Jack Jones

February 17, 2020

Such sadness felt by so many when you went to be with the Lord at such a young age. Each occasion that I have to get on this site, it is a joy to see how many lives you have touched and that you are not forgotten. I look forward to meeting you when we are all with the Lord.

Donna & Earl Eck

Friend

February 16, 2020

I stumbled upon this site after all this time and felt like I stepped on a nail, reminding me of what I lost, what we lost. The thing I miss is the part of me that came alive with you Brett. The chasing ambulances, class clown, "get it boy, wassup boy" part. I think of you often in my work now as a chaplain with soldiers and veterans. In many ways, your death has breathed this ministry in me. I do not think that I would have dedicated my life (and families life) to Army Chaplaincy had I not felt the loss of you. I suppose thats the great mystery, finding life even in death. I am thankful to have had that formative time with you. I know how much you mattered to so many. Me too. See you on the fiddlers green!

Hersh Fam- I hope you know that Brett lives on in my service today. I pray you all are well.

Nate Graeser

February 15, 2020

Spencer Fleck

November 17, 2019

It is amazing to see how the Lord has used Brett to touch so many lives and how he is remembered with such love. Once again, thank you Brett for such a great sacrifice and may you always be remembered.

Donna Eck

November 12, 2019

I didn't say much when the news came. It seemed like those closest to you had more to say. But, I'll never forget you and the time you made me feel welcome. I was a freshman at North Central, and new to the game of lacrosse. We were running passing drills in the parking lot, I was in line behind you (I remember the cross you had cut out of your hair in the back). Without hesitation you turned around to greet me and it made me feel welcome. You were amazing at those face offs! Thanks for your service and positive influence. I believe you were and even more so now, one of God's angel soldiers. May God bring peace to all who knew and loved you. RIP Brett

Jeff Hockett

November 11, 2019

Happy Veterans Day brother, I will make sure to speak about you and others who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation today when people come up to say thank you etc.

I wish we would of been able to see each other before you left this place, some of the best memories I have revolve around your basement in Oxford, playing Nerts and raking leaves in your backyard.

I always wished I had the family you were blessed to have and when I start my family the memories I have of yours will be a guidepost for mine.

Sean Merat

November 11, 2019

Brett and I weren't close. He was a student involved in our Cru movement and the son of Roger Hershey, a hero of mine. This week I found myself thinking about Brett when I first woke Memorial Day morning. Praying for the Hershey family. Grateful for Brett's sacrifice.

Tony Hageman

May 30, 2019

Thank you Brett. You are not forgotten!

Donna Eck

May 27, 2019

Another year, another post to the guest book remembering your life brother. I try and share your story with all that I can. I will drop back in November and until then at ease and carry on~

Sean Merat

May 27, 2019

Remembering Brett today! I loved his laugh and smile!

Emilee Munafo

May 27, 2019

I remember.

May 26, 2019

The first face I saw heading in to bootcamp.. The last face I will ever forget. Gone but NEVER forgotten. Your big heart still shines on in the lives you touched in your short life. Miss you buddy. See you again someday..

Adam Stiebeling

March 31, 2019

I have never forgotten you Brett.

Jack Jones

March 27, 2019

I remember.

March 27, 2019

14 years ago tomorrow and your memory lives on Brett

Tyler Pittman

March 25, 2019

Still raising little men for Jesus and wishing they could meet you.

Richie Mcconnell

December 20, 2018

Singing "O Come Let Us Adore Him" with Brett is a blessing. Love and miss my friend and brother.

Dave Fladung

December 17, 2018

Always remember.

Earl & Donna Eck

November 13, 2018

Happy Veterans day brother. I will make sure to share your story with the world on this somber day. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Sean Merat

November 12, 2018

Think of you often my friend.

Chris Lee

May 29, 2018

I remember.

May 29, 2018

Thinking of you today as I often do. Our friendship is something I cherish from my childhood. Keep smiling upon us.

Seth Thacker

May 28, 2018

Thinking of you today and always Brett

Greg Jensen

May 28, 2018

Thinking of you today Brett. I still remember your smile when I said come home safe. I have never forgotten that smile. You have made a difference in my life. I think if you often brother.

God Bless
Greg

Greg Jensen

May 28, 2018

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." -Franklin D. Roosevelt
May we never forget!

Earl & Donna Eck

May 28, 2018

I remember.

March 26, 2018

Thinking of you this morning, Brett. Jason and I went to see I Can Only Imagine last night and it made us think of you. For me, it was all the times you led worship at Student Venture, Grace, CCC, and our many service trips in HS. For Jason, it was you randomly breaking out in song when you guys were deployed. Listening to you sing I Can Only Imagine this morning brought us both to tears as you are missed so much. Sometimes I think you played a devine role in bringing us together as we share stories of you all the time. You are truly missed! Mr. & Mrs. Hershey-hope you are doing well. I think of you often!

Mandy Madden Jason Miller

March 24, 2018

All gave some; some gave all. Thankful for Brett's service to our country. OEF/OIF

Redleg

March 23, 2018

Wanted to pass some memories on to you Roger and Roxanne - I read your entry about knowing that Brett is in heaven but really missing him in person right now. All my memories of Brett are from summers at CSU. Crashing staff parties, taking over open mic nights, swimming all day at Ram's village. I remember some really old car, the chickenmaggot as Roger called it that Andy and David and Brett would cruise in. Them trying to free style rap. I remember tagging along for a birthday lunch with Roger, listening to you speak into his life. I remember Brett's panicked passion making me listen to Shane Barnard's worship, 'You've gotta hear this guy!' - and I haven't stopped listening since, ironic. All the late night trips up to the mountains, drive in movies, acting cool smoking swishers. I teach high school now and am trying to pass on his commitment and selfless joy which was so effortlessly on display day and night.

ryan james

December 25, 2017

Brett will never be forgotten.

Earl and Donna Eck

November 12, 2017

Miss you bro. You won't be forgotten. Acmewaterworld.com

Jason Miller

November 11, 2017

Thankful for Brett's service and sacrifice, and most of all his testimony for our Lord. Thank you!

Bouchillon Mark

September 6, 2017

I will never forget.

Jack jones

June 1, 2017

I will remember you every Memorial Day Brett

Tyler Pittman

May 31, 2017

I remember.

May 29, 2017

Thinking of Brett today and the lovely Hershey family.

Alicia (Lisy) Havens

May 29, 2017

Thinking of you today as we remember all that Brett has sacrificed for his country. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Earl and Donna Eck

May 29, 2017

This holiday celebrated at home is a day for us to remember the sacrifice you gave for your Country. I make sure to tell people about that sacrifice as best I can and I will try to live a life that is worthy of yours being sacrificed in order to protect it. Till we meet again brother.

Sea Merat

May 27, 2017

To Roger and Roxanne: I was just informed during a passing Messenger conversation with John Accunzo, about the loss of your son Brett several years ago - I had no idea since I have not been in the Hershey "circles" for 4 decades. My heart and prayers are with you even as time goes on the pain still lingers, although we experience God's nurture. You are both loved and appreciated by me, with gratefulness, and fond memories of our Montclair days....Maybe someday you'll "Venture" out to Xenia to AIA at the Legacy Center. I'm 10 minutes away.

Stuart Zaharek

May 7, 2017

Miss you brother! Hersh family my prayers are with you all. Tim Clark and Brett are smiling down on us all! God bless!

Tom Osinkosky

March 26, 2017

I remember.

March 26, 2017

I wont forget you bro, our last conversation lives in me. God bless you and your family

Edward Jones

March 16, 2017

Remembering Brett and the great sacrifice he made. Knowing that losing him will always be a fresh pain in the lives of his family.
Looking forward to the time that we will all be with the Lord for eternity. I Thess. 4:17

Donna and Earl Eck

November 12, 2016

It is that time of year again, everyone changing their profile pics to basic training days, deployment pics etc.. I made sure, as I do every year, to share this site and your story. I miss you brother and I hope your family this day shares the light of the story that is your life with others and remember what a good God Fearing man you were. Thank you for your sacrifice brother, till we meet again, at ease and smoke em if you got em~

Sean Merat

November 11, 2016

I'm here to send love to Brett's family and friends. I'll always remember your smile, your laugh and your tough as nails attitude on the bball court! We are all blessed to know you.

Andrew Shaw

June 21, 2016

Thinking of you today Brett

God Bless

Greg Jensen

May 30, 2016

Brett was a friend of our son, Adam, and IU. He had a GREAT impact on his life. I remember, too! I think of your family often, espcially today. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Colleen Johnson

May 30, 2016

I remember.

May 30, 2016

Thinking of Brett today.

Eve Doucette

May 30, 2016

For the love of country, they accepted death. James Garfield. It is only fitting to at this time to pause and remember the great sacrifice Brett made for his country. Love and prayers to the Hershey family as we keep the memory of Brett alive in our hearts.

Donna and Earl Eck

May 29, 2016

Remembering your heart for the lord this weekend. Praying that my three boys are half the man of God that Roger and Roxanne raised. Every time we go somewhere I struggle to not think what it would be like if I lost one of them. Thank you for your example and friendship. Living life to the fullest because Christ lived in you. Richie

Richie McConnell

May 29, 2016

I was at the Indiana war museum with my boys this week. They have grown up hearing Mark & I talk about Brett, his love for God, his sacrifice... So when we got to the flag of our fallen heros, there was Brett's name in print. That was sobering enough. But then, the boys started asking the curator a lot of questions about Brett, his mission in Afghanistan, etc. It took everything in me to hold back the tears.
I look forward to going through this site with them (now that they're a bit older they'll understand so much more). So thankful for Brett's legacy that lives on inspiring a new generation of young people!

Dawn Michal

April 17, 2016

Remembering you, Roger and Roxanne, as you remember Brett today and always. Love and prayers, Gail (Moody) Wilson

Gail Wilson

March 26, 2016

I remember.

March 26, 2016

I remember.

March 26, 2016

Rembering, celebrating and giving thanks for you today Brett! I know there's a party that you are enjoying with Jesus! May your legacy continue to bear fruit in the lives of many and may your family continue to know God as the Healer and Comforter. We'll always miss you!

Kalen Lee

March 26, 2016

Always in our thoughts and prayers - especially at this time of year. Brett has given the ultimate gift and will not be forgotten.

Donna and Earl Eck

March 16, 2016

....just thinking of you again. I went to the new 76th BDE HQ to pick up something for my husband (now SGM Mullins....can you believe it??) and saw the wonderful tribute to you and our other friends. Knowing you are singing in heaven.......I Can Only Imagine.

Tina Mullins

March 15, 2016

Praying for comfort for all who loved Brett. Thanking God for his service and courage.

Jan Mansfield

March 4, 2016

God bless the Hershey family as we remember,the great sacrifice that Brett made for his country. I know you miss him every day, but know that he will always be on the minds of those who love and appreciate him.

Donna Eck

November 12, 2015

Happy Veterans Day Specialist Hershey, until we meet again for some Nertz in the Sky, at ease and stand fast.

Sean Merat

November 11, 2015

Liz, I'm remembering Brett today on this Memorial Day. Both Brett and I grew up as staff kids of Cru. I have a lot of memories with him and they all seem to have lots of laughter involved. As I watch the videos on this website, I see he didn't loose his gift of humor. To encourage you: In the midst of tremendous sadness and darkness, the writer of lamentations wrote, "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will hope in Him." He is good. Great is His faithfulness. I pray you will find your portion in the Lord today. Praying for you.

Mike Newman

May 25, 2015

I am thinking of you at this time and praying that God give you peace. I also appreciate so much that Brett was willing to serve his country in such a sacrificial way.

Donna Eck

May 24, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Keller's

May 23, 2015

I met Brett while we were deployed to Afghanistan. We ended up on the same MWR basketball team and won the league. From the second I met him he made me feel like we had been life long friends. He was a guy that made you feel like a better person for just knowing him. Brett was an amazing man and friend to so many including me. The morning I was woke up with the news of his passing was the worst day of my military career. I miss you Brett and think of you often! It was an honor serving with you!

Jeremy Crane

May 22, 2015

I never met you, but I share in the brotherhood of Christ and being in the Army and serving in Afghanistan. I met Roger Hershey a couple of years ago and the way he spoke of his son reminded me of my relationship with my father. At the end of his talk he metioned his son being killed in Afghanistan. I spoke to him after and told him how much his story encouraged me being in the army. I always remembered Brett and honored him while serving. The following are photos of a memorial they had on Ft. Bragg this weekend. I ensured a wrist band and an American Flag cross was place on his boot in his honor. Can't wait to meet you on the other side.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wear-blue-run-to-remember-Fort-Bragg-Chapter/148243531984937#!/pages/Wear-blue-run-to-remember-Fort-Bragg-Chapter/148243531984937

Gabriel Garcia

May 18, 2015

I have to admit I actually forgot this year. Until another friend reminded me. I was angry with myself at first. Then I realized I was finally living again. I have that wife and beautiful kids that I told you I wanted. Every night when I put them to bed I appreciate them so much and it terrifies me at the same time. To love a children and a woman so much and have to accept that they are only on loan to you as long as God grants. I agree with your mom and hope with all my heart that when we all meet in heaven we are at least aware of who we were on earth so I can thank you for sharing your walk with me.

Mcconnell

Richie McConnell

April 12, 2015

Well turns out , I'm talking to u the same way others r venting and loving u, u knew that u were the best human being ive ever meet in my life? U still are and missing u isn't enough. I fear I maybe stuck there because it was so devistating, heartbreaking, demoralizing next to my daughters murder. God keeps the good ones doesn't he hersh? I'm reaching out to ur loved ones for comfort. I meet ur sister-in law @ ball state 2005, she played vollyball and I cried like a baby she knew who i was and i need never to forget, that's impossible but I need to move on somehow and hopfully ur family will guild me. I'm lost as Kyle was when we all first meet. See u one day again and I need a hug cause its everyday not just aniversrys. Be closer to me while I look for help and E4 mafia all the way

J Stephens

March 28, 2015

Hershey you would be so disappointed what what some with life, I miss u so much i can't move on, I know u would want more but I feel like I can't sometimes. I wish it was me and not u , ur job here was not finished and mine just stopped. I miss u bother heal my heart please 10year and it feels like yesterday

SSG James (spc) Stephens

March 27, 2015

I am thinking of you today, Brett. In your brief life of 23 years you were faithful and your love for the Lord led many of your friends to Him. I cherish your memory but someday I will see you again. Your smile must surely brighten Heaven! Love, Grandma

Janet Ressler

March 26, 2015

Remembering Brett today, thankful for so many great memories of a great guy.

Aaron Berg

March 26, 2015

I've been thinking about Hersh a lot this week. 10 years- wow, it really doesn't seem like that long. Miss you, bro.

Trisha Boyd

March 26, 2015

We are remembering Brett today; Chris lights four candles every anniversary... Thinking of you and not forgetting Brett's sacrifice
Lorianne and Chris Plummer

Chris Plummer

March 26, 2015

Roger and Roxanne, always thinking of you this week of the year. I read the prayer requests on this site again, and prayed today for the fraternity brothers and where they might be now, that God would be working in their hearts.

David was so glad to see you last week, Roxanne.

Carole Kleinknecht

March 25, 2015

Remembrance of you today. Jack Jones. Aurora, Colorado.

March 22, 2015

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Remembering you especially today.
Love,
Earl and Donna Eck

November 11, 2014

It was an Honor to serve next to you Hersh!
Forever missed.

Sgt. Jason Miller

November 11, 2014

Remembering you today.

August 28, 2014

Happy 33rd birthday Brett.....I miss you

Kathleen Ewald

July 23, 2014

I miss you, Brett. Your smile for everyone, your laugh, your sense of fun, your love for The Lord and how you seldom missed an opportunity to talk about Him to others around you. It will be a wonderful thing to be reunited in Heaven as a "forever family". Love, Grandma.

Janet Ressler

May 26, 2014

I must admit that prior to March 25th of 2005, Memorial Day was simply a day of picnics, no work and some fireworks. Sure, I went through the motions of trying to imagine and remember those soldiers who have died in the service to their country. But on that day, you became one of those soldiers, Brett, and NOW I get it on a personal level. I...we...know you're with the Lord, but you are truly missed not only on "special days", but all year long! I join others who have posted on here, that I look forward to the day we are reunited in communion with The Lord! Love to the Hershey Family-Aunt Cheryl

Cheryl McSparran Vulich

May 26, 2014

Roger and Roxanne and family,
You are especially in my thoughts and prayers as we recall the tremendous sacrifice Brett made for his country. I look forward to meeting him when we are with the Lord!
Love,
Donna

Donna Eck

May 26, 2014

Thinking of you today

Tyler Pittman

May 26, 2014

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