in memoriam: Corporal Bryan Lizalda (1985-2010)

i remember sitting in my living room, receiving texts from HD and KB that Bryan was in the hospital and it wasn't looking good.  what was weird was that we'd always joke about him dying young because he definitely lived his life full out and pushed his limits, but we were really never serious.  he was a man who lived... and to even think about him in that sort of condition was unimaginable.

when times were rough and things really sucked, Bryan would lift morale by doing something crazy or saying something hilarious.  i honestly hate complainers and also hate myself when i complain, but when Bryan did it about a field op or the garrison "pogue" bs we had to deal with in the rear, he at least made it funny.  definitely belligerent as hell, but funny... sort of akin to Terminal Lance humor.  below is Bryan doing a rant, in the form of slam poetry, after a field op in Wadi Al Sahara during Mojave Viper in 29 Palms before we went to iraq.  **warning, Bryan uses strong language, so don't watch if that sort of stuff offends you**:

i think about him daily, particularly because i have his prayer card placed in the driver's side sun visor of my car.  like i said, this was a man who loved to live and did it well...  i would like to think he has something to do with the little good luck hook-ups we've experienced here and there.  i know he definitely has bottle service waiting for us where he's at and is already working out a deal with the bouncers to let all of us cut the line.

Making time to enjoy the day

Bryan and AM at our "Welcome Home" on base

he left behind a ton of friends who love and adore him.  i was always curious to see how his life would pan out because not only was he a funny guy (could've pursued comedy), he had the mind of a slick entrepreneur, and was always involved with the health industry & studying to become a PA or nurse.  he had a lot of avenues that he could've gone down and it's unfortunate we don't have the chance to see his full potential come to fruition.  below is a video his friend from home made about him:

since your passing, all the good times in my life and i'm sure in others' lives as well, have been and will be experienced in your name my friend....  rest in peace brother.  we miss you.

get involved w/or donate to the Wounded Warrior Project

vaya con dios,

-DV _ level ^ fitness