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Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Brown IV, and his wife, Sue, were memorialized during a memorial ceremony on May 1, 2013, at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.. They were both killed when their small private plane crashed near Williamsburg, Va.
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Community celebrates life of general, wife
Posted 5/1/2013 Updated 5/1/2013
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by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri
Air Force Public Affairs
5/1/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A memorial service was held May 1, at Fort Lesley J. McNair for a general and his wife who recently passed away.
Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Brown, IV, who served as the commandant for the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, National Defense University, and his wife, Sue, died April 19 when their plane accidentally crashed near a small airport in Williamsburg, Va.
As people talked at the ceremony, a common theme came to light - friendship.
"Joe and Sue were best friends," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "They were often seen sitting outside of their house, holding hands, admiring the view of the Washington Channel."
Welsh wanted to make sure the Brown family knew why people were there on this day.
"The goal today is wrap our arms around you, to let you know you're not alone," Welsh said.
In the Brown household, their children were surrounded by love, according to Welsh. That love has not left with the passing of the couple.
"Look around this auditorium, and understand you're still surrounded by that [love]. And that won't change."
The Browns led by example, according to several testimonies of their life together. They offered help willing and gave it freely, Welsh noted.
As leaders in the community, the Browns lived their lives to high standards.
"They embodied all that is right with those who serve in our military," said Army Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, National Defense University president. "The Browns never backed down from the righteous fight, and never deviated from a life of integrity ... through their example, they showed us what 'right' looks like."
The feeling of the ceremony was that of a celebration of life.
"They sang and danced. They lived life to the fullest," Martin said. "They were fun, overflowing with joy. They made their lives count."
It is unquestionably sad to lose someone, but for Welsh, he took comfort in the Brown's relationship continuing together.
"I believe there's a thread of comfort knowing they're still side by side, holding hands," he said. "They loved each other, and they showed it."
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