Bringing Brandon Home
July 16, 2025, we honored the return of Master Sergeant (Ret.) Brandon Michael Schmidt—a decorated Marine, devoted husband, and proud father. He served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including 15 in special operations. Just days before the accident, Brandon and Nicole had dropped off their son Jordan to begin his freshman year at Penn State.
His return home was made possible through extraordinary acts of service and compassion:
– Nathan Harris and Whit, for guiding the family with strength and heart
– Paraclete XP, for going above and beyond with unwavering support
– Pender County Sheriff’s Department & NC Highway Patrol, for a dignified escort
– NC Patriot Guard Riders – Southeast District, for standing in reverent honor
A Message to Nicole and Jordan
No words can truly measure the weight of your loss—or the depth of Brandon’s legacy. He was a warrior, a leader, and a man whose courage stretched far beyond the battlefield. But above all, he was yours. A husband. A father. A protector.
Bringing Brandon home was not just about honoring a Marine—it was about standing beside a family who has given more than most will ever understand. And we will continue to stand with you, not just in this moment, but in the quiet ones that follow.
Nicole, your strength has been nothing short of extraordinary. Jordan, your father’s spirit lives on in you—his drive, his heart, his love for his family.
From the entire Children of Fallen Heroes family and beyond: you are not alone. This community walks with you, grieves with you, and honors Brandon’s name through action, love, and legacy.
With our deepest respect and unwavering support,
– Ken & the Children of Fallen Heroes Team
Fundraiser Update
We’ve raised $15,877.63 of our $20,000 goal to help Nicole and Jordan cover funeral costs, travel, and immediate needs.
All donations go into a secure, segregated account with Nicole as the authorized signatory. This is the only official fundraiser coordinated directly with the family.
Please consider giving or sharing:
🔗 https://donorbox.org/children-of-fallen-heroes-brandon-schmidt
Together, we carry the legacy forward.
#HonorBrandonSchmidt #ChildrenOfFallenHeroes #EscortWithHonor #ParacleteXP #PatriotGuardRiders #StandWithNicoleAndJordan #CommunityInUnity #DonateWithHeart
Their Sacrifice, Empowering Their Future
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At Children of Fallen Heroes, we don’t measure success by likes—we measure it by lives touched.
We’ve removed fake followers to keep our mission authentic. Every number you see here represents real families, real healing, and real legacy in motion.
Because this isn’t about clicks.
It’s about children. It’s about change.
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Moore County’s Own, Rick Herrera – 50 Years Strong.
24 Years of Service. Now It’s Our Turn to Serve.
Video from WRAL – News
Rick Herrera, a retired Tier 1 Special Operator and proud Air Force veteran, has spent his life serving this country. His wife—a 13-year veteran herself—stood by his side through it all. But on July 6, 2025, the Longleaf Dam breach flooded their home, destroying over 20 years of irreplaceable memories.
The estimated damage?
Over $250,000—and no flood insurance, because they lived in a non-flood zone.
Thanks to the generosity of this incredible community, we raised the first $25,000 to help stabilize their situation.
Now, we’re in Phase Two: rebuilding.
Our new goal? $50,000. Let’s finish what we started and help Rick and his family fully recover.
And as of yesterday, Rick just turned 50. Let’s make this milestone count in the most meaningful way.
🇺🇸 Rick served us. Now we serve him.
💙 Please donate, share, and show your love.
#SupportOurVeterans #RickHerrera #MooreCountyStrong #LongleafDam #AirForceVeteran #Tier1Operator #MilitaryFamily #HonorAndRebuild #ChildrenOfFallenHeroes #VeteransHelpingVeterans #50for50 #RebuildHope #CommunityInUnity
