I served with Donovan as a Crew Chief on CH-53E’s, we were both in flight school together at HMHT-302 and served together at Weapons Tactics school in Yuma, AZ. Donny was definitely great character with wonderful sarcasm that kept us going. He also loved to share drinks with his fellow aircrew out in town,  as well as kill it while playing cornhole, pool, or even cards. Although awkward sometimes, he had no problem getting numbers of the ladies he fancied either. We spent our time in Yuma celebrating after flights, along with Alec Langen, who was a senior instructor at the time guiding us as well as the other crews from around the USMC. We celebrated a lot during that time being younger and able to both work 16-18 hour days loading cargo, manning machine guns and being flight engineers, as well as find time to also have R&R after the fact. We both took our Terrain Flight Instructor tests together there at WTI as AO’s. I wanted to send condolences to the family as well as share some of the moments I have had with him, respectfully.

Thank you and all the best.

Our family is with you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I haven't seen Donovan since he was a toddler so I never really knew him, but in reading your descriptions of him I formed an instant connection from the parallels of his story and my own.  My dad was also a Navy pilot, but out of high school I wasn't inclined to go to college so I enlisted in the Marine Corps and became aircrew.  The USMC was instrumental in shaping the rest of my life's journey, and the tragedy of a young life cut short far too soon is that we will never get a chance to know where it would have led Donovan.   For that I weep.  And for the unimaginable agony a parent must feel when a child passes before them.  Greg, my heart is heavy for you and your family.  It isn't supposed to be this way.  We aren't supposed to bury our kids - our children should mourn us for a short while in their middle age after we have lived a long and full life.  I haven't lost a child, but I lost my brother too early and unlike an aged parent, it blows a hole in your life that will never be filled.  Know that the pain you are feeling is directly proportional to your love for him.  The pain will never go away, but it will subside and become more bearable with time as your heart heals.  And in those moments when it catches you off guard and brings you to your knees, try to take some small amount of solace in knowing that the crippling sorrow is a direct reflection of the importance he had in your life.  And you in his.  Thanks for raising a good kid.  Know that my thoughts are with you.  Keep the faith, stay strong.   I am here for you any time you want to talk or meet up.

The sweetest boy, with the sweetest smile and eyes ever!!! I remember always the friendship of Donovan and Matt. The Bryson Family offers sincere prayers for all of you. 

Dear Madison and family, our hearts break for you as you say goodbye to your brother, Donovan.  We pray for peace in this difficult time.  

Alan & KimAnn

Continuing July Birthday Celebration 💕

Trip to the tent trailer — with Dad and son

The zoo — with Donovan and Sean Madison and Delaney

Fourth of July

Cuties — with Donovan and Sean