05/01/2026
U.S. Marine veteran Brandon Ketchum, 33, died by su***de just hours after being denied admission at the Iowa City VA Medical Center on July 7, 2018. His father, William Ketchum, also served
“I requested that I get admitted to 9W (psychiatric ward) and get things straightened out,” he wrote on Facebook. “I truly felt my safety and health were in jeopardy, as I discussed with the doc. Not only did I get a ‘NO,’ but three reasons for no based on me being not f***** up enough. At this point, I say, ‘Why even try anymore?’ They gave up on me, so why shouldn’t I give up on myself? Right now, that is the only viable option given my circumstances and frame of mind.” ~ Brandon Ketchum
Brandon, son of the late William Ketchum and Beverly Ertz was born Oct. 18, 1982, at Darnell Army Community Hospital in Killeen, Texas. He was a graduate of Wisconsin Dells High School, Class of 2001.
At the age of 21, Brandon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served from 2004-2008 as a combat engineer, serving two tours in Iraq. In July of 2008, he joined the Army as a combat engineer, and in 2010 he was deployed to Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard. After being injured in the line of duty and enduring multiple surgeries he was honorably discharged. He had great enthusiasm for the armed forces and was known for being a man that would drop everything to support his fellow brothers and sisters or anyone in need. His true loves of his life were his daughter, Layla, and soulmate, Kristine. Brandon and Layla had a special bond that will be remembered. After his time in the military Brandon took up the hobby of woodworking and excelled in his craft by making beautiful butcher blocks, cutting boards and shadow boxes for fellow military friends and family. He was proud of his skill and took great time to master the art. Family and friends will forever remember Brandon’s unique sense of humor and ability to bring laughter and happiness to anyone he came in contact with. He was a likable person who was able to make friends where ever he went.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Ketchum; great-grandmother, Mildred Ertz; grandfathers, Roland Ketchum and Merlin Kittoe; uncles, Tom Ertz and Rollo Ketchum; aunt, Betsy Kittoe; cousin, Stacy Brown as well as countless brothers in arms.
Sgt Brandon Michael Ketchum lost his battle with PTS on July 8, 2016 after being turned away from Iowa City VA and denied medical treatment. He was 33 years old.
Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, Brandon. The US Government failed you miserably. Prayers for all who know you. You will never be forgotten. Semper Fi, Marine.
