A1C. Brandon Kitchens, Hooligan, Patriot R.I.P.

A young man I did not know well enough. Member of the Whiskey Brothers Aught Five supporters' firm. By all outward appearances to those who did not know him, a feckless young hooligan. Yet nothing was further from the truth. Joined the Air Force and did three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan and distinguished himself as a forward operating intelligence specialist. Brandon returned to us in May. He died Wednesday, 25 July playing the game he loved with friends. A born leader, full of passion, joy, comradeship and a thirst for justice. He was working with the Chicago 2016 Olympic Organizing Committee. Gone much, much too soon. He'll not soon be forgotten.

Addendum:Chicago Tribune story and bio.

This one's for you man. Dropkick Murphy's, "As One."