Today, we gather to honor the memory of a distinguished Marine, a devoted family man, and a true American hero, Captain Brian Scott Letendre. Born on May 13, 1978, in Stanford, California, and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia, Captain Letendre demonstrated from an early age the qualities of leadership, dedication, and courage that would define his life.
A standout student and athlete, Brian graduated from Potomac High School in 1996, where he was the captain of the soccer team. He continued to excel in academia and athletics at Milligan College in Tennessee, earning a scholarship for soccer and graduating in May 2000 with a degree in Computer Science. It was at Milligan College that Brian met his future wife, Autumn Crane, who would become his steadfast partner and mother to their son, Dillon, born just a day before Brian crossed into Iraq in 2003.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps upon his graduation, Brian quickly advanced through rigorous training at the Basic School and Infantry Officer Course at Quantico. His early assignments included tours in Okinawa, Japan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which prepared him for the leadership role he would take on during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 as an Infantry Platoon Commander. For his valor during combat, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “V.”
After his first tour, Brian was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve’s Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Plainville, Connecticut. Despite the risks, his profound sense of duty led him to volunteer for a second deployment to Iraq. He returned in April 2005 as part of an elite unit tasked with training Iraqi soldiers. Tragically, his dedication to service culminated on May 3, 2006, when he was killed by a suicide vehicle explosion in Al Anbar Province, just days before his 28th birthday.
Captain Letendre’s military decorations also include the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, reflecting his commitment and bravery.
Survived by his wife Autumn, their son Dillon, parents Milt and June Letendre, brothers Justin and Nicholas, and a loving extended family, Brian’s legacy is profound and enduring. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on May 15, 2006, in Section 60, Site 8328, where his courage and sacrifice continue to be remembered by a grateful nation.
Captain Brian S. Letendre lived a life marked by service and sacrifice. His leadership, both on the battlefield and off, his willingness to return to combat to aid in training forces that would continue the fight for freedom, and his unwavering commitment to his family and fellow Marines stand as a testament to the character of the man we honor today. Let us remember him not only as a soldier but as a cherished husband, father, son, and brother whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
