Brennan G. is the son of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Corey James G. He lost his life on June 28, 2005, during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. CW3 Goodnature was piloting a helicopter when it was shot down while attempting a rescue mission for U.S. Navy SEALS. Only one of the four original SEALS in the mission survived and became the inspiration for the book and movie ‘Lone Survivor’. “My dad’s service to our country shows me selflessness, sacrifice, strength, and excellence,” said Brennan.
When Brennan arrived on campus at Clemson University, he was dared to try-out for the football team even though he hadn’t played in five years. “I wanted to prove to myself and to others that I was good enough to make it at such a high level,” he said. “I played college football because it was an opportunity that most people don’t get in their life.”
The difficulties associated with being a scholar athlete did not stop Brennan from achieving success. “It was tough at first,” he said. “Playing football in college and being a student was a 6 am to 9 pm job. You were constantly being held to a higher standard on and off the field.” He credits Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation and learning how to manage his time as a key to his success.
“Fallen Patriots helped me pay for the costs associated with going to college. They took the burden off by providing money to pay for my books and school supplies.” Brennan is pursuing a degree in science and psychology and hopes to find a job that will give him a sense of fulfillment. Fallen Patriots aims to identify and provide scholarships to all 25,000 children who have lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years.