Grieving mothers find strength from family, friends and DLA Employee Assistance Program
This collage of family photos was provided by Gwen Pearson, a senior procurement analyst in the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Procurement Process Support Directorate on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Clockwise, from top right: Pearson hugging her son Brandon after he graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in May 2018; Brandon enjoying a lighthearted moment with his sister Brittany at the end of August 2021; celebrating Brandon’s birthday Aug. 30, 2021, from left: sister Brittany, Brandon’s girlfriend Jada Brewer, Brandon, his father Warren, Gwen and close friend Kia Henderson. Two months after that birthday celebration, 28-year-old Brandon was killed in a car crash on Interstate 64 near Toano, Virginia in the early morning hours of Oct. 29, 2021. DLA’s Employee Assistance Program provides referrals for grief counseling and support groups to employees like Gwen and their families. EAP also provides legal services and assistance with certain aspects of funeral planning.