John R. "Jay" Brainard

Capt. John R. Brainard III, age 26, of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, died on May 28, 2012, of wounds sustained when his helicopter crashed in Afghanistan. 

He was assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Ansbach-Katterbach, Germany.

He was known as "Jay" to his friends. 

Jesus, pray for Jay

John grew up in the Newport area and graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 2004. He went on to attend the University of Maine on a scholarship and enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in military science.

Friends describe him as a Christian man, accomplished, well-spoken and determined. He is also described as gentle and caring. John had decided in high school that he wanted to be in the military. 

John is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his parents John Brainard and Susie Phelps; and his wife Emily. 

Let us pray that John Brainard is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.