I first met Bryan in 1990 when I was a very nervous first lieutenant, fresh out of AF JAG School stationed at Loring AFB Maine (where it was 45 degrees below zero), about to prosecute my first Court Martial. Bryan, as the Northeastern Circuit Trial counsel was assigned to come up to Loring to second chair the case. There are no words to express how Bryan calmed me down, told me, “You got this,” and just made everything for the trial seem so, dare I say it, fun! His consummate expertise, professionalism , and fantastic sense of humor made the experience one of the best of my life, and gave me the confidence to successfully prosecute many more trials thereafter. I just remember feeling so lucky that he was on OUR side of the case! But this apparently was not a unique experience with Bryan, as my wife (girlfriend at the time) shared the exact same experience with him when she was prosecuting a case at Plattsburgh AFB later that same year… I had not seen Bryan for over 30 years, when in 2022, my Army organization, was transitioning to DHA, and I was going from an office of one to an office of over 300 attorneys, and again found myself a bit nervous. I was attending the Federal Medical Legal Symposium, where out of the blue came this familiar face, and, after a big hug and catching up on life, I explained to Bryan my concerns about this transition, and he again said “You got this.” I said, “How can you be so sure?” He said, “…because I am currently the acting Chief Counsel for DHA, and I know you got this!” Now, what I “GOT” are fond memories of a great friend… I will miss you Bryan.

Our condolences to Bryan's family, especially to Cynthia, his wife. Praying for his eternal repose and comfort to the whole family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

What a great friend and mentor. It was my honor and privilege to serve with Bryan at two locations. His humor and humanity were hallmarks of a true gentleman and friend. This world is at a terrible loss with his passing. 

So sorry Shelby for the loss of your Dad. I know he meant a lot to you x

I remember when Bryan first came to our Falls Church office - he fit in immediately and was everyone’s friend.  Always professional at his job, he could be counted on always and made the whole program better.  However it was also  clear how important his  family was to him. He showed us all how to balance work and family. I am glad he got to move to Alaska to pursue that dream. I am so sorry that his time there was cut short.  He will truly be missed by all.

Bryan was just the BEST--The best JAG, the best judge, the best colleague, the best leader, and the best friend.  I was privileged to work with him for over two years at the Defense Health Agency where his counsel was invaluable to me and to all of our clients.  Bryan would stop by my office often to talk about work, but he almost always managed to share a funny or heartwarming story about his family.  I don't think I've ever met anyone who was as proud and over the moon about his family as Bryan was. I'm so glad I got to know and work with him.  Go Jayhawks!!! We love and miss you Bryan.  Leigh Bradley

Bryan provided me great help and support when I was acting in a new leadership role. His guidance helped me succeed. Always nice and friendly and helpful to get me to ask the right questions. Going to miss him!

Bryan and I overlapped at various locations throughout our careers.   I valued our friendship.  He was a great guy and always the gentleman.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I wish you God's peace and comfort as you mourn his loss.

I first met Bryan in 1988 at JASOC, Maxwell AFB, AL.  Our paths crossed numerous times over the years.   When he joined TMA/DHA we dealt with each other regularly.  Smart, kind, excellent friend and person.  He will be sorely missed.  He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.  God bless him and his family.

I love the idea of a memorial bench in Cape, where Lyndsey and the girls can visit Grandpa at any time. Bryan was such a peaceful man, and the idea of a bench in the woods where people can rest and think is the perfect way to honor his memory.

So sorry for your loss Cynthia, and for the entire Wheeler family.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Bryan about 7 years ago when he and Cynthia came to visit  Rose and I.  Being retired from the Air Force as well, we had a great time telling old war stories. 

We lost a Brother in Arms! I salute you Bryan!

Godspeed