SPC Brian Tabada was born in Olangapo, Philippines, and relocated to the US as a boy. According to family members, he loved to skateboard, play video games, write and draw in his youth. Raised primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada, he attended both Shadow Ridge and Arbor View High Schools. He joined the Army in August 2008, and was stationed shortly after at the 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Brian was a fire support specialist, also known as a “Fister” assigned to Headquarters Company, 1^st Battalion, 327^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Combat Team. Brian died after his mounted patrol was ambushed and took on small-arms and rocket propelled grenade fire in the Darah-Ye district, Kunar province, Afghanistan.

Brian was a very special young man, who had a lot to offer this world and forever in his smile. He is survived by his mother Leinette Mahan and her husband, his father Retired Fire Captain and Major, US Army (Ret.) Muncko Kruize and his wife, two sisters, a brother, a grandmother, an aunt and two uncles.

“A hui hou” Brian… (Until we meet again)