Travis Manion and Brendan Looney met each other in their time at the Naval academy. During that time, they became the best of friends. Though they eventually were forced to go their separate ways, they remained in close contact.
In 2007, Manion, a Marine, was on patrol in Iraq when he and his team were suddenly caught in an ambush. During the intense firefight, Manion circled around to draw the terrorists' fire away from his fellow Marines. As he performed this courageous act he was hit by a sniper's bullet. The rest of his team made it home that day thanks to his sacrifice
Manion's tombstone was etched with the motto he lived by: "If not me then who." When Navy SEAL Looney heard of the horrible news, a huge chasm was left in his heart. But he continued on with his duties, as any hero would, always remembering his dear friend. In 2010 Looney was a mere 10 days away from being sent back home. The helicopter he was aboard began to go down; he and 8 others died that terrible day in Afghanistan. Though one was a SEAL and the other a Marine, and though they died three years apart, and though they were separated by different countries, if you ever find yourself quietly walking amongst the thousands of honorable dead in Arlington National Cemetery, be sure to come pay your respects. You'll find both of them easily enough: Looney lays in Section 60 Site 9180, and right next to him in Section 60 Site 9179, you'll see that for these inseparable friends, even death can't distance their eternal bond. Along with these two brothers, please take the time to remember all of those who sacrificed their precious lives for our freedom. Please SHARE the story of these two brothers!
