Fallen Hero Award Honors the Legacy of Capt. Gary L. Bringham

The family of Capt. Gary Lee Bringham, a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran, was presented with a Til Valhalla Project Fallen Hero Award during a special ceremony Monday, July 13, recognizing Bringham's military service and ensuring his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

The award was presented by Kay County District Attorney Brian Hermanson, who joined the family in honoring Bringham's life of service and sacrifice.

The handcrafted memorial, created by the Til Valhalla Project, features Bringham's portrait alongside the United States Marine Corps emblem, the Vietnam War Veteran insignia and his years of service. The organization is dedicated to preserving the memories of fallen veterans and first responders through personalized memorials presented to their families.

Along with the memorial, the family received a letter from Til Valhalla Project Founder and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Korey Shaffer, expressing the organization's commitment to ensuring Bringham's story lives on.

The letter begins with the organization's guiding belief:

"A hero never dies until the last time their name is spoken. Continue to honor them, and they will live on forever."

Shaffer wrote that heroes are called to serve others despite an imperfect world and praised Bringham's courage, compassion and willingness to answer that call.

"Our world is a better place because Gary was part of it, and we intend to preserve his legacy forever," the letter states.

The organization also assured Bringham's family that while it cannot erase the pain of loss, the memorial is intended to demonstrate that "our nation and those within it will never forget Capt. Bringham's selfless service to others."

According to information provided by the Til Valhalla Project, Capt. Gary L. Bringham was born September 9, 1933, and died April 1, 2024 at 90.

Bringham served as a tank crewman before becoming a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. During the Vietnam War, he deployed as a tank commander with the 3rd Tank Battalion and later served as a supply officer with the 9th Engineer Battalion, helping support the fight against communism in Asia.

His military career was recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V" device, awarded for valor.

The Til Valhalla Project describes Bringham as a Marine whose devotion to the Corps and to his country "epitomized what a patriot should be."

Founded in 2017, the Til Valhalla Project creates handcrafted memorial plaques through the work of veterans, first responders and patriots. The memorials are funded by supporters who share the organization's mission of honoring America's fallen heroes.

"Our mission is to ensure that this tribute to Capt. Bringham's memory endures long after we are all gone," Shaffer wrote.

The presentation Monday served as both a tribute to Bringham's distinguished military career and a reminder that his example of service, courage and sacrifice continues to inspire more than three decades after his passing.

As the Til Valhalla Project's motto declares, "Where Heroes Live On Forever," Capt. Gary Lee Bringham's name and legacy will continue to be remembered by his family, his community and a grateful nation.