Brandon U. Sloan
Private First Class, United States Army
October 7, 1983 – March 23, 2003
Age – 19
Fraser, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, TX
Killed in an ambush near Nasiriyah, Iraq
Army PFC Sloan was killed when his convoy took a wrong turn and was ambushed near Nasiriya, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was one of the eight GIs found dead during the rescue of POW Pfc Jessica Lynch. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company from Fort Bliss, Tx. Sloan was 19 years old and is from Bedford, Ohio.
Sloan lived with his mother, Kimberly Sloan, in Fraser, Mi before joining the Army. A computer enthusiast, he played football at Bedford High School in Bedford Heights, Ohio. His mother was extremely proud of him for fighting for our country.
Brandon Sloan, 19, of Bedford Heights, Ohio, traded his Bearcats football jersey for an Army mechanic’s coveralls in 2001. He left high school his senior year to join the Army.
“He didn’t drop out. He withdrew,” said his father, the Rev. Tandy Sloan. “His thinking to join the Army was altruistic in the sense that he was bettering his own self while serving his country. He was very much committed to the cause of country.”
Sloan was a big guy, happy-go-lucky and loyal to a fault.
He was remembered by fellow soldiers with the following words.
“I am very proud of Brandon and his unit and the way they conducted themselves on the battlefield. Unfortunately his life was cut way to short. I know the story of the 507th. What happened on that day was a tragedy. My condolences to the family and friends, and loss comrades. Brandon represents all the good people from all over Ohio and America and, the US Army. Rest in Peace”
Jeffrey K. Heck USAF 82-86 of Columbus, Ohio
“Hey Brandon This is Eddie Miller I was in boot camp when you came up missing I still don’t feel like you’re gone. I think about you everyday I got your name Tattooed (the only one I have) I miss you and love you.”
ESloan….A.K.A “Weba”….I still can’t get over the fact that you are gone. It seems like only yesterday, we were getting smoked in the bay at Basic Training at Fort Jackson. Seizme was always out of rhythm when we were doing side straddle hops (jumping jacks). You were a good dude and every year, I take that platoon pic the one where you are I think two bodies down from me, and I pray and pour one out for you. I also understand this is late, but better late than never. I will not remember your death…instead I will do my best to celebrate your life. Rest easy, dear friend. “Black Lions” for life.
Air Assault!!!”
Travis H. Wilson of Formerly of Ft. Campbell 372nd CJTC Eddie Miller of Bedford Hts. Ohio
Dear Sloan,
It’s been a long time. I went to BASIC TRAINING with you at Ft. Jackson Bravo 1/28 “Black Lions”. We met on C.Q. and you described your family situation in that brief two hours, and how you basically joined to support your family. NO MAN GREATER. After that night, I took you under my wing, assisted you in getting “Squared Away”, when the other soldiers would not. We’ll never forget D-SSG Pagan, haha, will we. While in the Ground War, or O.I.F. 1
we seldom got the Stars and Stripes paper. Every time we did I’d go to “that” page and pray that I did not know anyone, well that, day I did. I went to my chaplain and explained YOUR situation, and the outcome of this horrible war. HOPEFULLY his prayers and mine, rested you peacefully, and aided your family, in some form or fashion.
I think of you always.
God Bless you Sloan & your Family.
Spc. John Sollazzo Ft. Campbell, Ky “Black Lions””