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February 1 %u2022 2025 www.VeteransReporterNews.com VETERANS Reporter News 5We Honor VeteransCommunity PartnerVFW Post 3848 Auxiliary 2nd Annual Greaser Memorial Toy Drive for Henderson Fire Department%u25a0 VFW POST 3848 ALAVeterans of Foreign War Post 3848 Auxiliary in memory of Greaser. Starting as a very warm and sweet project from 2023 Christmas, the members of VFW Post 3848 Auxiliary have been collecting toys all year long to give to the Henderson communities who are less fortunate and in need of help for their children at Christmas. As 2024 Christmas marks the 2nd annual holiday charity project, the VFW Post 3848 Auxiliary partnered with the Henderson City Fire Department and held a ceremonial event when delivering the toys.The Henderson community is once again coming together for the Greaser Memorial Toy Drive, an annual tradition started in honor of a true local hero. Greaser, a burn survivor, began collecting toys for the Henderson Fire Department over a decade ago alongside Doc. Although Greaser and Doc are no longer with us, their legacy continues to brighten the holidays for families in need.The Henderson Fire Department supports families impacted by fires, burn injuries, and other challenges, ensuring no child is left without some holiday cheer. This toy drive is not a competition with other local efforts but a heartfelt tribute to two great men who cared deeply for their community.Honoring a Legacy: Lt. Colonel Brian Ellis, USMC (Ret.)%u25a0 VRN StaffBrian Ellis, a native of Morrow, Georgia, and a proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, dedicated nearly 22 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. His journey, marked by leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment, began on the football fields of Georgia and continued into the skies as a decorated Marine helicopter pilot.Ellis first made his mark as the starting quarterback for Morrow High School, leading his team to the Georgia state high school football championship in 1987. By his senior year in 1988, his leadership qualities were unmistakable, laying the foundation for a lifetime of service. A recent tribute by the Clayton County public school district recognized these early signs of dedication, describing Ellis as a figure embodying %u201cleadership and commitment to team values.%u201dIn 1989, Ellis embarked on a new chapter at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he continued his football career and forged lifelong bonds. Alongside classmates Che%u2019 Bolden, Mark McGinnis, and Chad Chatlos%u2014fondly known as %u201cthe four musketeers%u201d%u2014Ellis developed friendships that would span decades. %u201cFrom 1989 to 2000, we were pretty much together all the time,%u201d said Chatlos, recalling summers spent training and playing Navy football.After graduating in 1993, Ellis and his friends entered the Marine Basic School at Quantico. Ellis excelled as a helicopter pilot and later an instructor, dedicating 12 years of his Marine Corps career to training the next generation of pilots, including during deployments overseas. Despite the tragic irony of his recent passing in a mid-air collision with an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., Ellis is remembered by friends and fellow Marines as a skilled and respected aviator.Beyond his military achievements, Ellis remained a steadfast friend and mentor. Even as life took them in different directions, Ellis and his %u201cmusketeers%u201d stayed close, often reuniting for vacations along the Florida Panhandle. Ellis was also a beloved godfather to the children of his friends, further cementing the deep bonds he nurtured over the years.Following his retirement as a Lt. Colonel in 2015, Ellis continued to serve in a different capacity, working with Deloitte in professional services. His work in strategic communication and Red Teaming during his later Marine Corps years showcased his ability to think critically and lead effectively.Ellis leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and friendship. He is survived by his wife, Amy, two sons%u2014Jack, a recent college graduate, and Luke, a senior at Purdue University%u2014as well as his parents and siblings. As the comments and tributes pour in, it%u2019s clear that Brian Ellis was more than a Marine; he was a mentor, a friend, and a true patriot. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched and the countless lives he impacted through his dedicated service. Lt Col Brian Ellis, USMC