This is Rick DeArmitt for the Brian Jahn Family Memorial Fund.

Brian was in dire need of open-heart surgery for his failing heart. He was being treated at the VA hospital in Hawaii, but they were booked 2 months out. So, given the option to be medically transported to VA Palo Alto, CA, he said yes and was transported alone. Upon arrival, surgery tests and prep began.

Because his son Brian Jr., a single father to 3 young children, couldn't go, Rick DeArmitt flew out to family housing on site to be with Brian and be a liaison, eyes & ears for Junior. After assessment, the medical team said his heart was too weak for surgery or the flight home. All of this occurred in a few short days.

Brian didn't make it. He passed in the wee hours on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Left behind - a son and 3 grandchildren who didn't get to say goodbye.

Brian's wishes were to be cremated and scattered at a Paddle Out. In this case, the VA handles nothing postmortem. The family has to pay for everything upfront and organize it all over the phone with an independent mortuary in CA. After all of this, they have to apply (with submitted receipts) to the VA for reimbursement. Cremation is not a covered expense.