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Temecula soldier killed in Iraq, leaves behind young family
By: NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer | ∞
NORTH COUNTY -- A 31-year-old Army Reserve captain with ties to North County died Saturday in Iraq, family members said.
Brian Freeman was a 1993 graduate of Torrey Pines High School who had lived in Temecula with his wife and two young children for the last few years, said his father, Randy.
Freeman was a captain in the U.S. Army working in civil affairs. He was deployed to Iraq in May -- his first tour of duty there, Randy Freeman said.
After more than six months in Iraq, Brian Freeman returned home for Christmas and headed back overseas on Jan. 6, his father added.
The elder Freeman said he learned of his son's death Sunday, when military members arrived at his other son's Escondido home, where the father was staying.
"Something you never, ever want to go through is seeing a guy in uniform, with a piece of paper at your door. They start with, 'The secretary ... da-tah da-ta-dah... sorry to say ...,'" Randy Freeman recalled. "It's so scary."
While the Army usually notifies the spouse of fallen soldiers first, Freeman's wife and mother were both out of town at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. One of his neighbors saw two military people coming to the door and began calling other family members.
Randy Freeman said the military officials did not provide many details on how his son died. He believes his son was killed during a meeting to build up security forces and reconnect utility services in Karbala when a convoy of gunmen arrived and began shooting.
"We're not sure if he was outside or inside, or who the militia were; but he didn't make it," the elder Freeman said.
The military has not yet issued a news release stating the circumstances of Freeman's death. His father said the family also is waiting for news from the Army as to when the body will arrive in the United States and when funeral arrangements can be made.
Freeman moved to Temecula in 2004 and began work with KB Homes as a project manager. He lived with his wife, Charlotte, and two children, son, Gunner, 3, and daughter, Ingrid, who is about 1.
"She's torn up like we all are," Randy Freeman said of his son's wife. "I'm in denial. This isn't supposed to happen. ... Your kids bury you; you don't bury your kids."
Brian Freeman was born in Bakersfield and moved with his mother to the San Diego area when he was about 5 years old.
Freeman was one of eight people who sought the appointment to fill an empty Temecula Valley Unified School District seat in 2005. When asked why he wanted the duty, Freeman responded: "I want to get involved with my local community. I want a chance to make a difference."
-- Contact staff writer Nicole Sack (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@nctimes.com.
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Harry wrote on Jan 23, 2007 6:09 AM:My condolences to the family of this brave American. I am so sorry for your loss. The sacrifice is too great!
Sad, but avoidable wrote on Jan 23, 2007 9:25 AM:These men know the risk they are facing. if people would quit suckering for the military bonuses to stay in the military this war would end. They are nothing but Dubyas pawns in a war gone wrong.
Barb wrote on Jan 23, 2007 9:37 AM:My husband and I know the mother, uncle and grandparents of this young man. My husband and I are very very sorry for their loss and the loss to his wife and two young children. FYI the article failed to mention that he was also West Point graduate.
Rich wrote on Jan 23, 2007 10:58 AM:To Sad, I don't think this is the appropriate forum for your political commentary. To the Freeman family, my heartfelt condolences to you. Brian's sacrifice was most honorable and we will keep you all in our prayers.
Kristie wrote on Jan 23, 2007 12:56 PM:I had worked with Brian's father Randy for many years and have had the pleasure of meeting Brian on several occasions. Brian was a super kid with a great personality and lots of potential. His beautiful smile and happy dispositon will forever be engraved on my heart. I am honored by his sacrifice for my freedom. Many prayers to his extended family, parents, his wife Charlotte and their babies. God Bless
Backdoor Draft wrote on Jan 23, 2007 5:03 PM:This brave soldier is yet another product of the "back-door draft," which forces soldiers, who have honorably served out their commitment, back into the Army. These soldiers on the IRR (inactive ready reserve) are brought back into the Army after completing their service commitment and transitioning to civilian life. It is a tragedy.
Jill wrote on Jan 24, 2007 7:33 AM:Dearest Randy & Kathy, My heart is broken over the loss of your very brave son. Brian has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and all I can do is keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers everyday, and anything you need, just ask. Love Jill
Shiloh wrote on Jan 24, 2007 1:01 PM:Brian was a very special young man. I had the priveledge of spending a year in the dorms with him when we were both just out of high school. My condolences go out to his family. I can only say that it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to know him.
Mike wrote on Jan 24, 2007 6:33 PM:I want to offer my deepest condolences to Brian's family. I was one of Brian's two "Beast Barracks" roommates at West Point. He was a great friend, one whose heart and head were always in the right place. You all will be in my prayers. - Mike
John wrote on Jan 25, 2007 11:35 AM:This is a true hero not Hillary Clinton or any other celebrity politician.
Marc wrote on Jan 25, 2007 12:23 PM:I had the pleasure to work with Brian over the past couple of years. His willingness to help others and his candid sense of humor made the office a special place to work. Brian will be truly missed. He will always be remembered as our hero.
To John wrote on Jan 26, 2007 1:15 PM:The Senator from New York, Mrs. Clinton, has absolutely nothing to do with this story. I wish you would have the decency to stop trying to use the deaths of Americans for political advantage.
Ray wrote on Jan 27, 2007 1:02 AM:I am a member of Brian's unit and fellow officer. My team and I worked out of the same office in Karbala for a while. He was one of the most desent men I have ever met. Truly original and intelligent he will be forever remembered.
Sad, but avoidable wrote on Jan 27, 2007 1:16 AM:"Sad, but avoidable", Brian graduated 1999 from West Point and then fulfilled his duties and 3 plus year later recieved the leter in the mail. Had a great job and family, it was not about the benifits.
Sad, but avoidable wrote on Jan 27, 2007 1:30 AM:do your research "Sad, but avoidable" He ha a great job and a family. Has been 3 yrs out upon recieving letter in mail, what is a man to do? He died fighting for you, get a clue.
Sara L wrote on Jan 29, 2007 9:01 AM:My deepest condolences to the Freeman family. I did not get the opportunity to know Brian and his family, but I do know his wife's cousin in Washington. I know the extended family is feeling the loss as well. As well as the city of Temecula losing one of their own outstanding citizens. I hope to meet Charlotta and the children. Sara
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