21 Gun Salute in Neighborhood
This Friday Westover Hills United Methodist will be having a funeral to memorialize a service member (Sgt. Brandon Islip age 23) killed in Afghanistan and they will be having a 21 gun salute as part of the ceremony. The Pastor wanted to spread the word so neighbors weren’t alarmed by the gun shots. We’ve contacted the church to find out more details and will add them as we receive them.
Received an email evening. At times like this that I wish I had the ability to put in writing how much his sacrifice means. Unfortunately I lack the skill, so will go with the simple, thank you.:
hi, i am Sgt. Brandon Islip’s grandmother – Margaret Tarkington. I think the 21 gun salute was quieter than I was expecting. 21 guns = 3 rounds of 7 guns at the same time. Brandon’s aunt, Carol Crone, lives on Evelyn Byrd. We tried to notify as many places and people that the guns would be fired; hopefully, all was ok. Brandon was with Ft. Bragg, 82nd Airborne Division and was on his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan when he tried to save the life of a 21 year old soldier on 11/4, and they both drowned. Brandon was recovered ll/29; he had turned 23 on 11/03. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
Received an email this evening, will also add to the post:
hi, i am Sgt. Brandon Islip’s grandmother – Margaret Tarkington. I think the 21 gun salute was quieter than I was expecting. 21 guns = 3 rounds of 7 guns at the same time. Brandon’s aunt, Carol Crone, lives on Evelyn Byrd. We tried to notify as many places and people that the guns would be fired; hopefully, all was ok. Brandon was with Ft. Bragg, 82nd Airborne Division and was on his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan when he tried to save the life of a 21 year old soldier on 11/4, and they both drowned. Brandon was recovered ll/29; he had turned 23 on 11/03. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
As luck would have it, I was driving down WH Blvd today during the salute. It was pretty moving to see, even while driving past it. Thanks for posting the details on the deceased.