Tragedy strengthens bond between brothers

Tragedy strengthens bond between brothers
January 19, 2012

By Sgt. Luisito Brooks, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

ARLINGTON, Va. (Jan. 19, 2012) -- Staff Sgt.'s Andrew and Tim Payne, the youngest of four boys from Buffalo, N.Y., have always been close, and a horrible circumstance brought them even closer.

"It was a normal 4th of July weekend for me. I was about to head over to my dad's house for the holiday when he called me," said Andrew, infantryman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). "My dad said Tim stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device), lost both his legs, but was alive in a medical facility getting treatment."

Andrew said for the next week his thought process was shot and in disarray.

"I really could not focus on anything," said Andrew. "My older brother, who I looked up to, was hurt and there was nothing I could do until he got stateside."

Once Tim was transported to the United States, Andrew rushed to his side.

"My wife and I were one of the first to see my brother at Walter Reed when he arrived," said Andrew, referring to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. "While he was laying there sleeping, I stood in disbelief of what happened to my big brother."

As Tim slept, Andrew said he would whisper in Tim's ear that he was safe and loved.
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