On November 13, 2011, United States Army Sergeant First Class Johnathan “Bryant” McCain was killed by an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan.
McCain was born in Normal, Illinois and raised in Chandler, Arizona. He thrived in the outdoors, where he could be found hunting, fishing, and playing sports. In addition, he was also a big fan of classic rock music. On December 23, 1991, McCain and his future wife, Leanne, met at a Country and Western Dance Hall. They danced together all night. Just two days later, they had their first official date, and they were inseparable until McCain joined the Army on May 2, 1992.
McCain had wanted to be a soldier and serve his country since he was a little boy. He loved to play Army. As he got older, he attended a Vietnam Veteran POW/MIA support group. There, he drew amazing art and listened to their stories for as long as they wanted to talk. The veterans he met there inspired McCain to be a great leader. Five years after enlisting, in March of 1997, he left the Army because he wanted to go into Infantry instead. During his year off before rejoining, he joined the Arizona National Guard. McCain loved serving his country. He enjoyed the time spent mentoring his men and watching them grow into great leaders, as well as being Airborne. His ultimate goals were to guide other soldiers into being great leaders so that they had the pride that he had. McCain deployed to Iraq two times and Afghanistan one time. McCain was very humble, and was not one to brag about his achievements. Throughout his time of service, McCain was awarded two purple hearts and multiple bronze stars.
Leanne currently lives with her and McCain’s four children: Breanna, Ashlyn, Chloe, and Wyatt. McCain taught his children how to hunt and fish, fueling a passion for the outdoors in them. Leanne loves vacationing in Disney World, reading, and spending time with her children and dogs. She and her children are very grateful to Tunnel to Towers for providing them with the stability of a mortgage-free home. Leanne states that she can breathe, sleep and be more at peace because of this donation. Leanne would like people to know that her husband was someone you can always count on, very receptive and gave great advice. He loved spending time with his wife and children. He was a giving person, once donating an intricate drawing for the proceeds to go to enlisted soldiers having the opportunity to attend the ball free of charge. McCain never expected any gratitude or recognition for doing his service to his country. He and his wife had just celebrated their 19 year anniversary exactly one week before his passing.
United States Army Sergeant First Class Johnathan “Bryant” McCain is survived by his wife, Leanne, and his four children: Breanna, Ashlyn, Chloe, and Wyatt.