Add New Tribute
You must be logged in to leave a tribute.
Current Tributes
|
|
From:
carol tisson
|
Sunday, December 13, 2015
|
(Tribute written by Brian's father-in-law, Guenter J Tisson, and submitted to this site with his permission)
Brian Brookes Cushing, DO
Former Major, MC
Oct 15 1965 –Nov 22, 2015
Those are the vital statistics data and basic information that will be reported or inscribed on a plaque.
While that is accurate and true it does not reflect, who Brian was. That is hidden between the dash of the above dates – and it is this dash that we want to talk about.
Brian was born in Middletown, CT. He graduated high school and from the University of Connecticut with a BA in German and always showed great interest in music, writing and the arts.
He worked briefly in Import/Export but decided that his dream was the medical field. He re-entered academia with a US Army scholarship to attain the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York Osteopathic College. All this set the stage for a brilliant career as a Board-certified family practitioner, osteopath and flight surgeon.
So, who was Brian? He was a very good son, loving husband and devoted father and a faithful servant of the Lord. Brian was a helper and a healer and a hero.
The Helper: Brian would invariably stop and help, and not only when asked. He would rake leaves, repair a washing machine, build a root cellar, do laundry and fold clothes, construct a garbage enclosure and a mechanical pool cover. These are just a few examples of work done voluntarily for strangers and family members, He could fix anything and do it well.
The Healer: He was determined to do everything well. His professors called him the best and most promising medical student, but could not offer him a scholarship, since he was already committed to the US Army, where he was already a 2d Lieutenant during his 4 year study. In his 3 year residency he was admired by staff, proctors, and fellow resident, and all voted for him to be the Chief Resident. Upon receiving his Board certification Brian entered the US Army as a Captain, MC to fulfill his 8 year obligation. He joined a medical clinic in Germany and became medical director. He was then detached and became the Surgeon for an armored reconnaissance squadron engaged in active combat in Iraq. He was recalled to his permanent duty station to assume command as a major of the 100+ member clinic. Upon his completion of his tour, Brian asked for assignment to the Monterey clinic and served as Medical Director. He was again called to serve in Iraq as a flight surgeon of an aviation brigade engaged in the war. From there he returned to Monterey to comlete his service obligation. He resigned 1 month before his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and started his work as a civilian physician here at the Monterey clinic. The CG of the Western Medical Region, while visiting the clinic, stated to all that Brian had been the best of his 13 subordinate commanders in Germany and needed no supervision. Brian’s 8 year servse was recognized by award of the Bronze Star Madal, 2 Meritorious Service medals, 2 Army Comendation Medals, an Army achievement Medal, 6 service medals, the valorous Unit Citation and the Flight Surgeons Badge. Throughout his military and civilian service Brian was acclaimed as a thorough and compassionate physician, a great teacher and mentor and a congenial and empathetic member of the team – universally admired, respected and beloved.As an osteopath he had magic hands and as a physician he was the compassionate healer.
The Hero: Heroes come in many forms. Brian’s was unassuming, quiet, not looking for public acknowledgement. He worked his required duty hours and added many hours of research as well as quality time with his family: his beloved wife, Brenda, who he had met in his freshman year of college, and his beautiful children Clara, 21, William, 18, and Emma,16. All show the results of excellent parenting. They are already successful. Clara as a college senior studying classics and English at Santa Clara University, William as a freshman at San Diego State University majoring in electrical engineering, and Emma as an outstanding junior at York School. Our outstanding heroes Brenda and Brian at work!
Yes, heroes are not always flashy, the real heroes work continuously to improve lives.
Our hero will not be forgotten, because he cannot wholly die (Horace), because he has touched the lifes of so many.
Brian succumbed to cancer after a long valiant period of time while continuing to nurture his family and discharge his duties as a physician. Yes, he was a helper and healer and hero.
Brian was larger than life –he was a giant among men!
|
|
|
Have you lost a loved one?
|
Create their everlasting presence for
future generations! Create an online
memorial now, it’s Free & Easy!
|
Recent Candles
-
|
mike ginn
12/13/2015 at 5:56 PM
+ View Message
Candle Lit By
mike ginn
Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 5:56 PM
|
|
will miss your smile brian!
|
|
-
|
|
Never Gone
11/28/2015 at 3:20 AM
|
Subscribe To This Memorial
mike
(brother-in-law)
| | | | | | | |
There are no linked memorials.
|