Marine Sergeant Brandon Michael Ketchum, of Davenport, Iowa, a beloved father, son, soulmate, grandson, brother, hero and friend.
Brandon, son of the late William Ketchum and Beverly Ertz was born Oct. 18, 1982, at Darnell Army Community Hospital in Killeen, Texas. He was a graduate of Wisconsin Dells High School, Class of 2001.
At the age of 21, Brandon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served from 2004-2008 as a combat engineer, serving two tours in Iraq. In July of 2008, he joined the Army as a combat engineer, and in 2010 he was deployed to Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard. After being injured in the line of duty and enduring multiple surgeries he was honorably discharged. He had great enthusiasm for the armed forces and was known for being a man that would drop everything to support his fellow brothers and sisters or anyone in need. His true loves of his life were his daughter, Layla, and soulmate, Kristine. Brandon and Layla had a special bond that will be remembered. After his time in the military Brandon took up the hobby of woodworking and excelled in his craft by making beautiful butcher blocks, cutting boards and shadow boxes for fellow military friends and family. He was proud of his skill and took great time to master the art. Family and friends will forever remember Brandon’s unique sense of humor and ability to bring laughter and happiness to anyone he came in contact with. He was a likable person who was able to make friends where ever he went.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Layla; mother, Bev (Lenny) Kittoe; brother, Brad (Ana) Ketchum; soulmate, Kristine Nichols; grandparents, Albert (Phyllis) Ertz and Rosemary Ketchum; special friend, Jim Pederson; many cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Ketchum; great-grandmother, Mildred Ertz; grandfathers, Roland Ketchum and Merlin Kittoe; uncles, Tom Ertz and Rollo Ketchum; aunt, Betsy Kittoe; cousin, Stacy Brown as well as countless brothers in arms.
Sgt Brandon Michael Ketchum lost his battle with PTS on July 8, 2016 after being turned away from Iowa City VA and denied medical treatment. He was 33 years old.
Family wants answers from the VA after Marine Veteran commits suicide:
Veteran turned away from VA after requesting mental treatment, kills himself:
Thank you for honoring Brother Ketchum with this effort.
Brandon’s story has resurfaced on the ‘Net and as a Vet at VA I am very interested to know what was done at Iowa City VA about the “doctor” who refused to admit Brandon. I believe it could happen to any of us unless other VAs learn from Iowa City’s mistakes.
I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Semper Fi,
‘Doc’ Sanchez
VA San Francisco
The VA hospitals also failed my brother. Army and National Guard. PTSD/Alcoholic they could only offer out-patient treatment that was 1 1/2 hours away. He checked into another treatment facility and was so grateful for finally getting help, only to be turned away 3 days later. At that point he felt totally defeated. Absolutely no help available. Out-patient care is NOT enough for a practicing alcoholic. I know! Because of the military insurance he wasn’t able to complete a 31 day in-patient treatment. Which he desperately needed. 6 months later he died of alcohol abuse. That was 5 yrs ago & it still angers me how our veterans are treated. God bless this young man. His soul is at peace.
Thank you for sharing Brandon’s story. He sounds amazing! I can relate and I completely understand what you are going through. I know how much you miss him and will keep your family and friends in my prayers. Thank you for your service, Brandon. You are surely missed. Hugs to your mom. xoxo