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Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis
Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis
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Brian D. McGinnis Obituary
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Aunt Pat Finn
March 6, 2025
Think of this dear nephew daily as I watch his little sister and niece enjoy life and I know Brian would be right with them - teasing and just having fun and being amazed at the changes like this old Aunt Pat is!
Rodrigo Pereira
March 4, 2025
I remember him, always in my mind
Very Nice young men.
I served with him in the same unit
HMLA -169 in Camp Pendleton CA 1998-2002 Vipers
David Wagner
August 10, 2024
I have been continuing to think about this fellow American, a Hero, all along, and even just a few moments ago..well, as time moves on he has been gone now 21 years now, I know this easily because it happens that he 'moved on' two days prior to my exact DOS.. some coincidence, he missed out on decades now that others enjoy and he is NOT FORGOTTEN, anyway, I just happened to watch this powerful youtbe video link here, it made me think again of Brian and all his family and all of 'the fallen' really for all time, who I've only chatted with maybe his mom and aunt maybe on a phone or email briefly to give my respects.. all that these young folks gave up and are still willing to be brave and do for all of us is immense, and they are just 'doing their jobs' as they do it... don't let the 'hair pulling out fiasco' that is current politics lately make us all forget that REAL AMERICA AND LOVE OF COUNTRY IS SHOWN BY THE LOYAL DEVOTION by it's brave everyday defenders of freedom, without that heart there is only a shell, that without courage is meaningless. The life of our nation is from God and the Spirit of the brave!!! (in my 'choose a relationship...' category in making this comment I put 'served in the Military together' because they didn't have 'appreciative countryman', well, I was stateside in 2003 in the AF but still in the military at the time he was in... here is a nice link ,-/ https://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/mcginnisbriand.html
patricia finn
February 23, 2023
Miss you like we were just cleaning crabs together like it was yesterday.!
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David Wagner
February 22, 2023
About the photos below, the comment must not have shown with the photos below. So, again, much respect to this HONORABLE AMERICAN HERO and good person! If nothing more, this lone citizen out here will ALWAYS remember him until I finally have the honor of meeting him in the beyond. The photos are just some uplifting sights and some of my artwork for you. ALWAYS REMEMBERED, and of all the other thousands who have gone-on after trying to settle the constant disturbances over in the desert.
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
February 16, 2023
David Wagner
May 24, 2020
Not forgotten...Honor...thanks DW
David Wagner
April 9, 2019
Again in honor of Brian. I know Mar 30 has come and gone from 16 years ago. But, his life must have meant everything to some people. I just know that in this life we enjoy the opportunity to find someone so meaningful, and then when they are not here they are deeply missed. But have hope that Jesus is life and says He will never leave us. And Brian, I'm sure did all he could do in this life, we need to stay close now and forever, have faith there is more power in goodness than anything else. And his birthday is in June, celebrate it. (easy month to remember, so is mine). I just happened by the veterans monument again in Apalachicola, FL, looking at hurricane damage from Hurricane Michael, it's still there, the soldiers look like any of those who served. We are free thanks to your hero.
David Wagner
March 12, 2019
In memory of Brian. I've been remembering this hero every year for a while on behalf of all Americans. I can't sense the same loss felt by his family, friends and comrades. I just would have liked to shake his hand. No words can really express how much a nation appreciates its protectors or the sadness of each injury or loss.
Remembering the boys, girls
David Wagner
February 8, 2018
Sgt Brian D. McGinnis pic on our shelf for ever
David Wagner
February 8, 2018
The hundreds of millions are free because of the few
David Wagner
February 8, 2018
David Wagner
February 8, 2018
Remembered and thanked... I took a little drive on my bike the other day to that Memorial Park nearby in Apalachicola, Fla., thought about all of us vets, all gave some, some GAVE ALL... brave fighters, community supporters and some now at honorable rest.. I've been keeping you in my memory now for 13 years, sometimes my eyes 'get cleaned', and I respectfully actually spoke with your ma and great aunt once a while back, saw all about your pa also and about your life... and hope to 'meet' you one day... anyway, I'm just listening to Pink Floyd 'High Hopes' and 'Coming back to Life' while writing this...
July 4, 2017
God Bless YOUR America, Brian. Jul 4
David Wagner
April 4, 2017
I was rearranging my wallet the other day, and bumped that little slip of paper that I put in there that tells about Brian's memory, and so I then thought about him briefly... I guess I did forget that April slipped up quickly on us. I know he would wish his loved ones to go on and be as happy as they can. I guess all we can do now is march on to that new day when we will all get to be together again...
Kim Straker
April 1, 2017
Your sacrifice, and that of your loved ones, is never forgotten.
Semper Fi Marine - rest in peace.
Dana Williams
March 30, 2017
14 years later, and still not a day goes by that I don't think about what life would be like if you were still here. How much fun we would be having, but I know Gods plan is greater than my understanding and that is where I place my hope. Knowing that it is not goodbye, but I'll see you later. love you still,
Your sister,
Dana
Pic of Brian I saw on another website
David Wagner
June 3, 2016
May 30, 2016
I think of you every day, Brian, but yesterday in church was very special as I was privileged to stand in your honor and memory. Miss you!
Aunt Pat
painted by yours truly
David Wagner
May 29, 2016
You are Not forgotten, Hero,... on this Memorial Day weekend and every day. Once again, I am just a lone random American (I guess representing the millions of us Americans) just thanking you, and others like you. When we lose a loyal service member we lose the BEST PART of America. We wish you were STILL HERE, but all we can hope is you are now safe... DW, USAF Retired(POL, 'Grape')... I wish your family and friends the best
David Wagner
September 21, 2015
We as Americans still thank Brian for his loyal service and ultimate cost of freedom. Thanks continually. Jesus is the eternal hope...
Dana Williams
September 13, 2015
I don't know what to say other than I miss you. I wish I could share all the experiences of life together. I wish we could go to disney again together, I wish I could tell you all about school, and complain and you would tell me to just keep going and doing well. I wish you could be at my graduations. I wish I could call you just to hear your voice or when I'm struggling and really just want to talk. All the things siblings get to do together. As I get older I realize what I lost when we lost you, and nothing can ever fill that space that is forever in my heart. I love you Brian, and I can't wait to see you again. It's not good-bye, It's ill see you later.
love you so much,
Dana
April 5, 2014
Brian - you would be so proud of your little sister - she even looks a bit like you at (just to turn) 20 years of age. You wouldn't be wrestling anymore - she is a beautiful young lady. We all miss you so much and pray the world will one day realize what you young people were called to do and how much you gave.
Love, Aunt Pat
Dana Williams
April 4, 2014
I love and miss you so much Brain. its not good-bye its ill see you later! i love you, love your little (not so little anymore) sister
love always Dana
November 19, 2012
Semper Fi, Marine. I will pray for you and your family.
Kim Straker
March 31, 2012
Not forgotten - still respected.
Aunt Pat Finn
March 31, 2012
Our awesome nephew - headed for great accomplishments which were cut short for this one big sacrifice for the US and the world.
Aunt Pat
Peggy Childers
March 29, 2012
March 30, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis:
Always remembering Brian. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
March 30, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis:
Please accept my remembrance of Brian on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
me at 3 soldiers monument apilachicola fl and small paper about Sgt McGinnis I keep in wallet
David Wagner
February 1, 2011
One day many years ago(around 2005), I printed out a small strip of paper with a picture, name and information telling about one of our fallen American war heroes in the Iraq war from the internet, his name was Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, and I picked him randomly among the thousands of the fallen. I also noticed he was one of the first soldiers to be taken from this life by the war. And I, then as a retired USAF person and also just a regular American, I took the memory of this one man to heart as a representative of them all, and I continue to thank him with all that I am, and I wish blessings to those who he left behind..and hope some day I can do some small thing for those he left behind in appreciation...But, up till today, I hadn't really read up on him, just looked at his face and read his name......well, today I also posted onto another tribute site for him...and I said how this and other brave kids would probably want us to think that it's a better world now because of them?...I kind of think it is...they mattered, I believe it, and I even believe it for those who don't believe it...forget that the news and stock market are always bad, these people are doing something good for our country's future......and there is something else that is coincidental about me randomly picking this one man to reflect on these last 5 years...he served in the Marines and then lost his life on Mar 30, 2003 while he was being stop lossed and retained for the Iraq war. By coincidence, I, in another place and existence, a USAF person not known to him, having been released from a prior stop loss back in 2002 was finally on terminal leave in Florida in Mar 2003 and awaiting my actual retirement date, I was working temporarily as a fuels tech supporting Navy and Marine airplane and chopper Pilot training at Whiting Fld. Also by coincidence, Brian left this world on Mar 30, 2003, and I retired two days after that on Apr 1, 2003. My retirement allowed me to enter into many new things I had waited for for 21 years to do, and things are going all right now. So, today, now that I see one so young losing it all, and then almost like passing the baton, another was able to go on enjoying the blessings he lost around the same time and with a few coincidences, I feel very humbled and compelled to say thanks.....I don't know what else to say
Peggy Childers
March 30, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis:
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
Kim Straker
March 30, 2010
Seven years have passed since the death of this fine young US Marine but his memory shines brightly still and I take time today to write on this site as a mark of respect.
Kenna
March 29, 2010
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” 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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 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!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
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 and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]
May 24, 2009
To let your family know, you are not forgotten this Memorial day
Lidia Smith
May 3, 2009
You and your family are invited to attend this years Armed Forces Memorial Day Service which will be held at St. George's UMC in Frankford, De we will be dedicating this year our Armed Forces Memorial Day Service to Delawares' young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 6:30pm. Your son will be amongst the many that we will honor.
~ Lidia Smith, Dagsboro, Delaware
Patricia Finn
March 30, 2009
Today is the 6th year anniversary of the home-going of our beloved Brian. How we miss him and wonder each day what he would be doing if he were with us.
Love to our family,
Aunt Pat & Uncle Wray
Kim Straker
March 30, 2009
Today I pause to remember the life, duty, courage and ultimate sacrifice of Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis. As the years pass I hope that life is being kind to his family and all who loved him. It is an honor to sign this memorial site and I hope that his family is comforted by all their special memories of this fine young American. Rest easy Marine - you are remembered.
Peggy Childers
March 30, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis:
Brian gave 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 Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Alex Swearer
July 26, 2008
McGinnis Family,
Brian and I were friends; we worked together at NuCar in Newark, hung out together in our off time. I joined the Marine Corps in 99 after encouragement and inspiration from Brian whom I considered a true friend. I talked to him in 02 shortly before both of us headed over there, and lost touch. I just recently learned of your great loss, the Marine Corps great loss, and the loss of someone that I considered a true friend. It was my pleasure to be one of his friends.
T Moudy
May 17, 2008
May God lift your heart from sorrow as you remember the gift Brian gave to help others gain their freedom!
From the Gold Star Mother of another Delaware "Iraqi Freedom" Hero (KIA Baghdad, Iraq 12/11/05
The Neal family
April 26, 2008
To the family of Sgt. McGinnis,
Please know that just as your loved one will forever remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express our gratitude for his bravery and selflessness, or our heartache for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
Kim Straker
April 10, 2008
Time passes but memories last - you aren't forgotten Sgt. McGinnis. Your name has been joined by so many more brave young men and women since 2003. As a Mother, my heart breaks, for each was someone's precious child, but I'm constantly uplifted by the stories of courage, determination, love, faith and hope found on these pages and today I'm honoured to place my name in your Guest Book.
I send my good wishes to your family and loved ones, with the hope that these long years have been kind to them, despite your passing. Rest Well Marine. Semper Fi
Betty Frye
April 5, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Tina Doonan
March 31, 2008
Its that time of year when we are reminded of the loss we experienced with your sacrafice.....We miss you and carry u in our hearts!
Debra Estep
March 30, 2008
To the family and friends of Brian. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
May God and His Angels surround you and bring you comfort.
Please contact me so I can email you a picture of an Angel and soldier that I drew.
xo xo
Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
http://remembering-the-fallen.blogspot.com/
Amy Rudisill
February 5, 2008
I'm proud to say that Brian was my cousin. I still have his image in my head as a bratty little kid that drove me nuts pulling pranks on my sister and I. Those days are sorely missed. I love and miss you.
November 12, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt McGinnis!
August 3, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 5, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt McGinnis and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Marine
Grace Z
May 28, 2007
Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrows,
We gave our today.
-- The Kohima Epitaph
We will never forget,
NJ Marine Moms
melissa&drew bell
April 26, 2007
Well i meet brian back in 2002 few week before the marine corp ball..my hubby had went over to his house on base to pick some think up that he needed .. i had run into brian wife a few time for dress shopping lol ..well brian you are missed and love by many ppl who care for you ..love the bell family
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 3, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the McGinnis family in the loss of Brian. I did not know Brian, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Brian it has been 4 years since you were taken. Please know that you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I visit section 60 at ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY 3 to 5 days a week. I promise I will visit/honor Brian's site. Also in honor of Brian I did not celebrate my birthday. I spent the day fasting and in prayer.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Garnet Jenkins
March 30, 2007
In Remembrance of this Fine Young Marine, Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, on this 4th anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom. With a multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Dedication and Service.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Remembers Brian's sacrifice.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Karen Hickman
January 26, 2007
On behalf of "Gold Star Siblings" please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Pat Finn
December 25, 2006
It was so good to see another entry for Brian - time is flying and 2007 will soon be here...but we see others who have not forgotten Brian's sacrifice. We pray for our President and Congress that the Lord will give them wisdom on what to do to make this sacrifice and that of others count toward the freedom of so many people.
Tom Dunn
December 31, 2005
God bless you Brian, and god bless the USA.
Tom Dunn
William Penn High School Class 1968
RJ Stack
November 11, 2005
Your sons bravery for our Freedom
will always be remembed!!!!
J POTTS
November 11, 2005
On this Veterans’ Day, I wish to offer my sympathy for the loss
Of this brave man.
He is remembered....
Pat Finn
September 1, 2005
Just found some old pictures of Brian when he was a little boy - the impish look on his face as he caught crabs, pretended he was steering a boat, etc. How could I ever forget all the fun times we had together. Even at 10 years of age Brian had to be first!
Love you, Brian....Aunt Pat
Erik Werhner
March 26, 2005
I knew Brian all through his career as a Marine. I remember us missing our flight to Camp Pendleton for training then having to take a van to Raleigh-Durham airport. I didn't know him then but somehow he found a comfortable spot on my shoulder to fall asleep during the ride. We went through our MOS school together and he was so competitive for the top spot in the class, he drove me harder. That's what I remember of Brian, he was alawys giving 110% at everything he did. It was catchy to everyone that was around him and he made everyone around him better for that. There are many more memories I have of Brian but never will it be enough. To my fellow "Viper", you will never be forgotten.
Brian and Mike on their bird
March 26, 2005
Julian Cowles
March 24, 2005
I first met Brian back in 1999 when I first came in the Marine Corps. Brian rode my back for the first two years I was in, at the time I thought he didn't like me at all. But I realized much later that couldn't be further from the truth. He taught me so much not just dealing with our job but with life in general. Ever since I first met him, Brian lived life to the fullest and loved every minute of it. I'll never forget Brian, nor will the rest of his second family.
Bill & Tina Quirk
March 9, 2005
Brian was a large part of our USMC family in San Diego. We are so greatful for all of the amazing memories we have of him. When we look back @ our time in San Diego, we think of all of the many holidays & weekends we spent with Brian and words cannot express how thankful we are that we had the opportunity to share all of those years with him. I remember the night Bill and Brian left for Iraq, standing in front of the buses that were ready to take them, Brian hugged me and said "Take care of Megan for me and I will take care of Bill for you". I will always remember that moment before they turned the corner and boarded the bus. There are many memories that Bill has of Brian in Iraq that he cherishes as they are his own to keep. We will never forget Brian's sacrifice or how lucky we were to share a portion of his life with him.
Miranda Maxwell
March 6, 2005
I also am proud to say that Brian is my cousin. I love and miss you greatly! Love always, Miranda <3
Mary Ann & Shell Fisher
March 6, 2005
We have never met Brian,just knowing his family, we know he is so loved and missed but never gone.
denise quirk
March 5, 2005
brian came into my sons life for a short time but in that time a bound was made that will never be broken.
bill said brian was his brother and
had great times together on and off duty. he will always be in our hearts. the quirks
Millie Williams
March 2, 2005
Its been almost two years, but somehow it still feels like yesterday. My heart aches every day for my son Brian. In my heart I know he believed in what he was doing and I replay the conversations we had all the time. I can still hear the enthusiasm in his voice when he would talk about his helicopter. He grew into a fine young man and I am so very proud of him. Brian was a treasure. He taught us how to live life to the fullest and to enjoy every minute. Each day is an opportunity to do just that, any less would be a disservice to his memory. Semper Fi Sgt. McGinnis, I will see you on the other side. Love Mom
Pat Finn
February 28, 2005
Brian's photo is THE ONLY photo attached to the typing board of the computer. I look at him each day and pray for his family that their continued pain of his loss will be overshadowed by their pride of one who gave his life in the service of his country. I'm so proud of him.
Aunt Pat
Ginny McLaughlin
February 24, 2005
I am proud to say that Brian is my cousin. I know that he loved what he was doing.
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