Sergeant Roger Paul Brilinski, A Soldier's Story
Sergeant Roger Paul Brilinski, A Soldier's Story
Sergeant Roger Paul Brilinski was born on April 30, 1966, in Alpena, Michigan. He graduated from Alpena High School, where he distinguished himself as a competitive boxer. In 1984, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, beginning a military career marked by discipline and dedication.
In 1986, Brilinski transferred to active duty in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 229th Attack Regiment. His transition to active service placed him within aviation operations that would soon play a critical role during the Gulf War.
In August 1990, Sergeant Brilinski deployed with the 2nd Battalion to Saudi Arabia in response to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. As coalition forces prepared for combat, aviation units were tasked with some of the most dangerous and demanding missions of the conflict.
On February 27, 1991, Sergeant Roger Paul Brilinski was killed while participating in a search and rescue operation for a downed F-16 pilot. His helicopter was shot down during the mission, and he lost his life while attempting to recover a fellow service member.
Sergeant Brilinski is laid to rest at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Sanborn, Michigan. His service and sacrifice stand as a testament to the risks borne by those who flew into danger to bring others home.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
