Fallen Bend soldier’s name etched on memorial

Nearly two weeks after being killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, Bend soldier Brandon Prescott was honored on Thursday, as his name was etched into the Bend Veterans Peace Memorial.

The sound of a sand blaster broke through a quiet, gray day in downtown Bend. Raindrops started to fall as the list of fallen soldiers added yet another.

“We’ve always hoped and prayed there would never be another name added, but here we are today, adding another name,” said veterans activist Dick Tobiason.

Army Specialist Brandon Prescott, 24, was killed in a roadside bomb attack along with four other soldiers in Afghanistan earlier this month.

Before joining the Army, Prescott called Bend home. He attended Central Oregon Community College and studied structural fire science.

“The least we can do is honor them with a permanent memorial,” Tobiason said. “This is granite, and it will outlast all of us.”

White paint was sprayed through the outline of the young man’s name. As the paper was peeled back, revealing Prescott’s name, Tobiason said everyone who sees the memorial will be reminded of a young man who died fighting for his country.

Every time we lose someone in combat, defending our freedoms, it’s a loss to all of us,” said Tobiason.

Also, a flag newly embroidered with Prescott’s name will join those flying Saturday on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Newport Avenue. He and all veterans will be honored on Armed Forces Day.