CPT Brian Faunce Memorial Fund

09/28/2026

Many thank to Mission BBQ for their continued support of Gold Star Families.

09/18/2026

It has been my tradition on this day, the anniversary of Brian’s death, to sit on the beach and read the 9 letters he sent to me from Iraq. The last letter, dated 8 September 2003, arrived after his death. But I would like to share his words. He was telling me that 14 of his soldiers were leaving Iraq and the Army that day, he said more than half were leaders. “They are all getting out of the Army. I am happy for them. The Army will have a very hard time trying to keep soldiers if they don’t start taking care of these soldiers. A soldier will work his heart out for you but he has to know that you care and you’ve got his best interest in mind. I do what I can to keep them safe, and ensure that if something does happen we will get them evacuated and save them.”
It is sad that his injuries were unrecoverable.

09/18/2026

From Sean Dodd:

23 years ago today, I lost my commander. I never lost the lessons he taught me.

Captain Brian Richard Faunce wasn’t just a commanding officer. He was a leader, a warrior, and a man I had the privilege of following into battle.

There are people who pass through your life, and there are people who leave a mark on your soul. Captain Faunce was one of those men.

Twenty-three years have passed since September 18, 2003, but time doesn’t erase the memories, the brotherhood, or the weight of losing someone you would have followed anywhere.

Standing beside his grave, I was reminded that some of the greatest leaders never get to see the full impact they had on the men they led. Their legacy lives on in the lives we choose to live, the people we protect, and the example we set for those who come after us.

I carry those lessons with me as a father, a veteran, a businessman, and a man still trying to live a life worthy of the sacrifices made by those who never came home.

I haven’t forgotten. I never will.
Thank you for your leadership, your courage, and your sacrifice. It was an honor to serve under your command.

Rest easy, Sir. We’ll take it from here. 🇺🇸

Captain Brian Richard Faunce
November 11, 1974 – September 18, 2003
23 years. Never forgotten.

Rangers Lead the Way.

08/26/2026

Gold Star Families of DE, please come out to Vet Fest to honor and remember the fallen as we carry out beautiful American Flag to ‘kick-off’ the day’s activities. Support ‘Stop Soldier Suicide’.

07/10/2026

Honor and Remember CPT Brian Faunce, details below. (This is an updated flyer, address corrected.)
I’d be honored if anyone could come.

05/27/2026

I was honored to be invited to speak at the Delaware County Memorial Day Parade. I was proud to represent American Gold Star Mothers and share my thoughts on what Memorial Day means to me. Sharing interview with Fox 29.

Judy Faunce, a Gold Star Mother, shares her story of loss and remembrance after her son, Captain Brian Faunce, died while serving overseas in Operation Iraqi...

04/11/2026

Next year, will be our 24th award and our last. Our plan is to combine our Award presentation with the AROTC Dining Out, Tentative date 4/22-23/27. It is our hope that as many of our recipients would honor us and join us for this special event. Please spread the word and share with the following:
2004 - Holly Brewer
2005 - Ben Brownlee
2006 - Ian Sinclare
2007 - Dan Frachette
2008 - Tony Nicosia, (current AROTC PMS!)
2009 - James Carite
2010 - Nicholas Edwards
2011 - Kevin Nichols
2012 - Kelsie Smith
2013 - Jake Ahle
2014 - Matthew Santamaria
2015 - John Han
2016 - Matthew Wolfel
2017 - Hannah Levine
2018 - Michael Fisher
2019 - Anthony Reed
2020 - Anna Zigarovich
2021 - Troy McCrystal
2022 - Karl Troutman
2023 - Lea Kaye Lenker
2024 - Anthony Suhocki
2025 - Mark Vighetti
Thank you all!

04/11/2026

April 9, 2026, The Faunce Family added another name to our CPT Brian Faunce Memorial Award. Nicholas Shuble. Congratulations!

12/13/2025

Arlington, mission accomplished! Placed a wreath on Brian’s marker and that of his Command Sergeant Major while in Iraq, Eli Thomas. I know that Eli was a huge help to Brian when he took over B Company. It was my honor to visit his grave, place a wreath and thank him for his service.

12/12/2025

Service at the Pentagon memorial where we hung one wreath for each person lost both in the plane & in the Pentagon. This memorial is dedicated to Matthew Flacco, a Delaware native. He was in the Pentagon.