Please read this tribute from P. GREGORY "Greg" FREY, our dedicated Founder & President, to his (twin) brother, LtCol GRANT V. FREY, USMC (Ret.), shared on SOCIAL MEDIA only a few short days before GRANT's burial "Back Home" in his & our 808 Island State of HAWAII. GREG's words, literally dripping with passion & tribute, will give each of you (our supporters, contributors & friends) a crystal clear idea of just how meaningful the "start-up", success & longevity of this nonprofit is to not only GREG, but to our entire Leadership and team, to include Board Members & Officers. GRANT matters. This nonprofit matters. It will move forward to financially assist many folks in need with your help and your energy. It is with pride & honor that GREG's words are offered here, literally "word-for-word", as follows:
" OUR 808 ISLAND STATE. OUR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. OUR WORLD. OUR COLLECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL LIVES. It's all been literally torn apart by COVID-19. Lost jobs. Closed businesses. Illness. Infection. Hospitalization. DEATH & DESPAIR. One need only read this morning's [02/23/21] front page of the STAR-ADVERTISER to be reminded just how deadly COVID-19 is and has been to so many. STAY SAFE. DON'T be forced to deal with & try to handle COVID-19 in its most vicious form. PLEASE. STAY SAFE.
THIS WEEK IS DIFFICULT. THIS WEEK IS EXCRUCIATING. THIS WEEK IS A CHALLENGE BEYOND ANY I or any member of my (small yet close) 'OHANA HAS EVER FACED. THIS WEEK WE BURY MY (twin) BROTHER, GRANT. PLEASE, for me & for my 'Ohana, READ-ON:
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LtCol GRANT V. FREY, USMC (Ret.) NEVER backed down from a challenge, no matter how daunting. He always did what it took to succeed, no matter the effort. His tragic illness was no different. After 3 very difficult months in 3 hospitals (ICU, Rehab, PT) literally fighting for his life against dreaded COVID-19, to include several weeks on life support, GRANT beat all odds and every prognosis. GRANT survived COVID and he was discharged on 12/18/20, only to die 8 days later on 12/26/20 in his sleep of COVID (his internal organs were simply too damaged to sustain his life) on his way to his new job & new home (purchased but so tragically, never lived in; GRANT never made it there!) & new life in MISSOURI. GRANT courageously did until the very end what he always did in life. "He fought the good fight", and lived by the informal (albeit exceptionally important and meaningful motto oft-times adopted by the [twin] Brothers FREY): "Start Small. Then, Stand Tall".
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GRANT may not have been a hero, BUT he was my hero.
Loss of any family member is beyond emotional & terrible, BUT allow me to opine & say, to lose a twin is literally to lose one-half of yourself. We have the exact same DNA, for God's sake. Truth be told, although I have never admitted it out loud, I am nowhere near as strong and as tough as GRANT was (even though I am "the older one" as GRANT loved to say, by 8 minutes), and so I always thought I'd go first so that I'd be spared the pain & anguish of losing my twin, my brother, my hero. As tough as it has been, SO MANY folks who worked with, knew, respected & loved GRANT have graciously helped me & our close-knit family to literally "pull off the impossible". Thankfully, and certainly befitting of his almost 22-years of dedicated & loyal service to our country as a USMC Officer, GRANT will be buried with honors at the NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC (Punchbowl). He has always wanted to come home. As is said, you never leave HAWAII no matter where you are or where you go. NOW, prayers answered, GRANT will bid ALOHA to us this week, and forever lie in peace, HOME. GRANT IS HOME.
APOLOGIES. HUMBLE APOLOGIES. Funerals are a time to embrace, to come together to support one another and to fondly say ALOHA. COVID-19 has destroyed this tradition as well. NO MORE THAN 10 are able to attend GRANT's modest graveside service, and most who will be there are Marines he served with and who knew & respected GRANT as the exceptional leader he was (as is oft-times said, "Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine"). NONE OF US will be able to embrace. NONE OF US will be able to be any nearer to one another than 6'. ALL OF US will simply be able to tear-up in masks. THIS IS NO WAY TO SAY ALOHA, but it is the only way @ present. SO MANY WANTED TO BE THERE, and we are SO SORRY you can't be. It's simply not allowed. REST ASSURED, however, Lovely MIA & I will host a "Celebration of Life" / Pa'ina ("party") both here in our Islands (SLAA Clubhouse, of course) & in MIRAMAR / Mira Mesa, CA (Grant's home & workplace for over 10 years, and where he endeared himself to the community and to so many folks living there) IF & WHEN COVID-19 restrictions are entirely lifted. We will ALL come together for GRANT. It might not be for awhile, BUT we will gather. We will celebrate. We will Pa'ina.
AS I DID FOR OUR LATE FATHER when he so tragically passed away long before his time decades ago, I wrote GRANT's Obituary, and how does one "sum-up" the life of a Champion? The life of a hero. It's not possible. But, I tried, and it should publish in our STAR-ADVERTISER soon (but most-likely not until after the funeral). Look for it, and celebrate GRANT in your own private way. (Update: The Obituary, in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, was published on the very day Grant was interred, 02/26/2021)
My energy is also focused @ present on the creation of a CHARITABLE FOUNDATION in honor of GRANT, which will do what he often liked to do --- HELP THOSE WHO NEED IT. Please watch for the website, and for more information. IRS approval of a 501 c3 literally takes "forever", but amazing progress is being made, in honor of and in tribute to GRANT. SeMPer FREY, Inc. has been created & has been filed here in our Islands. The dba, The Wishes GRANTed Foundation, is pending. (Important Update: The dba has likewise been filed & approved by the SOH DCCA). Our Board of Directors has been placed as have the Board officers. The Foundation Logo has been created, and I gotta say, it's BAD ASS (MAHALO, Hanai Brother, Kevin R.). Certainly, this nonprofit hopes to attract money donations going forward (so that these monies can be used to help others), BUT that time will come (current donations, IF they come, are NOT tax deductible, and unfortunately can't be until the IRS approves the application). FOR NOW, the mere "start-up" of this Foundation comforts me & our family, and I hope ----- NO, I know ----- GRANT is smiling, and saying to me, "Good job, Brother, but don't screw it up!!". LOL.
(UPDATE: ALL money donations are now tax-deductible [in accordance with & pursuant to applicable Federal & State laws -- See & Consult your Tax Professional]. The 501(c)(3) application for tax-exempt status has been APPROVED by the IRS as a 509(a)(2) Public Charity by Letter 947 dated 10/12/2021.
PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR GRANT & OUR FAMILY FREY. PLEASE KNOW HOW MUCH WE WANTED TO HAVE SO MANY OF YOU WITH US @ HIS FUNERAL ----- a mere 10 is allowed, and no more ----- AND PLEASE KNOW WE WILL PA'INA FOR MY BROTHER, MY HERO ON DOWN THE ROAD A BIT.
STAY SAFE, EVERYONE. NOW, ENJOY SOME OF MY FAVORITE PICTURES OF "THE LIFE & TIMES" OF BROTHER GRANT as we all bid him A HUI HOU [SEE, HOME PAGE].
P.S. If I might, this has been a very emotional journey to write these words, and to post these pictures [SEE, HOME PAGE], BUT truth be told, I did it to try to help me "survive" GRANT's tragic & untimely death by this KILLER COVID-19 VIRUS. It's a bit of therapy for me, and perhaps a bit selfish, BUT while I have been criticized in the past for being "so over the top positive" about my brother, that's a criticism I can take easily & a badge of honor for me now. MAHALO for letting me share GRANT with you, especially since so few of you can bid aloha in person when we bury GRANT later this week ".
Please take approximately 10 minutes to experience this video, right here & right now. It will no doubt forever change your life, and (hopefully) inspire you to support SeMPer FREY, Inc. dba The Wishes GRANTed Foundation, right here & right now, and for years to come (stated much more directly, inspired to DONATE NOW, right here & now, and for years to come, each & every year).
Our dedicated Foundation 'Ohana planted 10 Memorial Trees with LEGACY.COM to honor LtCol FREY.
Please do the same: https://www.legacy.com/trees/
"My heart is broken. I loved talking with him...saw him almost every day at the academy. In memory, I changed my watch face to a picture of him. He will be missed". -- G.W.
"[GRANT's] warm personality, incredible work effort, and genuine concern for his comrades was always a source of inspiration to me". -- G.A.
"I will always remember the love and passion [GRANT] showed every day for the Marine Corps and Military Police community". -- R.F.
"[GRANT] was a great man, Leader, and mentor over the years". -- S.P.
"[GRANT] was a advocate for me in every respect, a trusted comrade, a loving brother and a man I will always hold in high esteem and reverence. -- O.G.
"The Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Police program have lost an invaluable asset". -- G. & L. B.
"I am truly saddened at the loss of such a great man, friend and coworker and I will miss him very much". -- J.M.
"I’ll say it again were all gonna miss that man. I’m gonna miss people walking up to him calling him Greg". -- K.R.
"[GRANT] was extremely professional, articulate, a true team player and grateful for others’ help". -- D.B.
"GRANT was a longtime dear friend, an always faithful active duty and civilian Marine, and a beloved man (son, brother, father, husband)". -- B.H.
"I haven’t seen GRANT since the early ‘70s ....... My sincerest condolences on the passing of a young boy who must have grown up when I wasn’t looking". -- B.M.
"The memories of GRANT will remain edged in our hearts and souls, and never be forgotten". -- B.H.
"GRANT [& I] shared a special bond as we both belonged to Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle club. He was my brother in Arms. I will Miss Him". -- D.D.
"You fought the good fight to the very end. You will be missed by everyone whoever knew you". -- J.C.
"A 'short' [telephone] call [with GRANT] would be about an hour – GRANT loved to talk about the Marine Corps, family, the future, college football, Hawaii to name just a few. He was truly a gracious man – he never ended a call without sincerely thanking me". -- P.H.
"Glad to hear our brother [GRANT] is Home with us". -- F.S.
"Rest in Peace, my friend. Semper Fi.
With much respect and sadness". -- D.B.
"GRANT FREY "is" truly one of the greatest inspirations of a man I ever met! Just like his bro .... what a wise - intelligent, hard working, fun, loving, hug-gable, inspiration of a human!". -- J.T.
"A Semper Fi farewell, GRANT". -- R.B.
"GRANT was a special person to all who knew him. He was one of the faces of the Marine Corps law enforcement community and his loss is felt throughout our ranks". -- W.W.
"[GRANT] was the most wonderful man I ever worked for. He looked out for me, and taught me so much. I loved working for him". -- S.N.
"[GRANT] taught me how to play soccer that allowed me to make the Command FSSF team, which I later went to the all FMF team and was selected to play on the All Marine Soccer team, but it was because of him taking time out to show me the finesse of the game that allowed me to grow", -- J.S.
"[GRANT is] a USA Hero! He is always ON as WE grow old, inspiring us to be brave and bold and allowing his story to never fold...but his love and energy are always there to HOLD!". -- J.T.
"As an Air Force officer in a (Marine) 'world,' my year in Iraq was tough, but Lt Col Frey was a good friend and always a bright spot. His sense of humor, positivity and professionalism made tough situations easier to navigate. Taking a smoke break with him and his Backwoods cigars was always educational and entertaining. I hope I get to enjoy a cigar and storytelling with him again someday." -- R.H.
"I am blessed to call [GRANT] my friend". -- R.H.
"I am glad to have met GRANT and [to have] been a part of his life". -- J.H.
"All [GREG's] efforts reflex the admiration and love [he has] for [his] brother". -- K.Y.
"I am thankful for [GRANT's] service to our country, and very proud to have known [GRANT] and [to have] spent time with him". -- D.F.
"There is a whole Army of people down here [in Miramar/Mira Mesa] who love GRANT and are praying hard for him. Anything for GRANT & his family". -- K.S.
"It truly was an honor to serve as the escort to ensure GRANT was returned home so that he may be laid to rest'. -- M.S.
"My heart is heavy for GRANT and for his brother, GREG". -- M.C.
"I am so proud of GRANT. The Corps misses him and will never be the same without him". -- M.F.
"Wish we all had way more time with GRANT". -- D.C.
"The Senior MP at HQMC has issued an order that all military and civilian police officers will wear the mourning [black] band on our badges in honor of GRANT". -- J.S.
"Memories [of GRANT], while fond, are forever and eternal". -- T.T.
"It was an true privilege getting to spend a few moments with GREG at GRANT's gravesite". -- B.C.
"Let's focus on all the beautiful memories [we have] about Uncle GRANT". -- A.F.
"The heavens are bright when they welcome the great ones [like GRANT]". -- N.G.
"I believe GRANT is amazing, and I am honored to call him my friend". -- R.H.
"I thought very highly of GRANT and considered him a friend". -- K.S.
" It was with much sadness that we received [word of GRANT's death]". -- B. & E.W.
"Mahalo for all GRANT did and for his legacy". -- M. & W.K.
"[GRANT & I] solved all the [Law Enforcement] problems in the world (LOL) while interjecting Mecum, Harley's, Blue Knights, Mustangs, Corvettes, Rams, Lewis & Clark [College], Tattoos, Family and Hawaii. In fact, I could probably be a tour guide [in Hawaii!]'. -- T.B.
"GRANT was one of the best friends I ever had. We used to talk about anything/everything. He was the first one to tell me to marry my wife. "She's the one." GRANT was right. He was right about a lot of things". -- J & L.L.
"GRANT was a true Champ!. He actually showed us all a great deal about how we could (and should) live. GRANT never once put his personal interest ahead of his family, or any other group he was involved in ... not to mention his beloved Marine Corps. GRANT's humanity, humility and extraordinary generosity of spirit were inspirational. His infectious personality always drew people in. Aloha 'Oe, GRANT". -- B.C.
"Hold fast to good memories [of GRANT]". -- R.K.
"Nothing can fill the gap when we're away from those we love. GRANT was such a thoughtful gentleman". -- M.M.
"GRANT's the kind of guy a brother likes to brag about, and with good reason. An athlete, a Marine, a dad, a man's man, and an all-around role model". -- T.C.
"Hold on to all the great memories of GRANT". -- S.R.
"The world is a lesser place without GRANT". -- A.S.J.
"GRANT was truly an honored brother, friend, father, uncle and soldier". -- K. & E. V.D.
"A loss of one is a loss felt by all". -- K.L.
"My heart is completely broken with the news of the passing of GRANT". -- T.D.
"I'll always remember how [the FREY brothers] shared a car during High School. Good Memories!!!". -- R.A.
"Life taken too early. Peace be with you. P.S. I'm a twin too". -- L-A. C.
"... when our lives are over, it isn't what we did that really matters; it's who we were". -- R.M.B.
"GRANT was an honorable and loyal man who loved his family and his country. That's what matters". -- T.F.
"GREG & GRANT were wonderful to each other & for each other. You had a wonderful life together!" -- A.S.
"GRANT was a strong man and cared for so many people, not only his family but for his fellow Marines. He will be missed by all of us, but he is in our hearts until we meet him again". -- L.S.
"Semper Fi, Marine. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. We have the watch". -- K.K.
"What a life GRANT lived with so much honor and integrity". -- E.G.
"GRANT and I went to OCS together, summer of 1986. He was tough, smart, and determined. GRANT had gone through Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) the summer of 1985 but sustained a serious knee injury and was unable to finish. So he went back again! With me in 1986. Now for those who don't know, Marine Corps OCS is frickin' HARD! It is the toughest thing I have ever gone through and for GRANT to knowingly go back to that kind of pain speaks to his toughness! Prior to us departing Hawaii for OCS, GRANT helped me prepare both physically and mentally for what was coming and was a big reason I made it through. That's how he rolled, selfless, always willing to help. We were the only 2 local boys from Hawaii in that OCS class and we both made it through! RIP Marine and Semper Fi! -- R.S.
"Please let me know when the time is right to gather in celebration for GRANT's life, as I would be honored to share songs of love and aloha in his memory". -- J.M.
"I still remember all the conversations we had about GRANT. Crazy stories of Sturgis and tattoos, but even more of all the things that GRANT had accomplished. It was so evident how much you loved your twin brother and how proud you were of him". -- S.M.
"GRANT lived an amazing life and he sure made this world a better place!". -- L.K.A.
"We were so fortunate to get to meet GRANT". -- K. & E.L.
"We all will raise a toast to GRANT at the WYC. He'll be there in spirit". -- C.D.M.
"ALOHA 'OE TO HERO GRANT FREY.
Kudo's and mahalo for GRANT's service to our country - and Freedom for All!". -- J.M.W.
"He was always a sweet guy. Rest easy GRANT! Know that GRANT lives on in the memories of all who knew him". -- S.H.
"Members of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club gathered to honor GRANT and other members lost to us. Members from multiple chapters in California, Arizona, and New York gathered at the Balboa Veterans Museum to share in honoring our fallen brothers". -- J.L.
"GRANT & I spent hours just hanging out enjoying each other’s company and working P.A.I.E together. It’s a shock and terrible loss of a great man! He will always be my hero!" -- L.R.
"So much I want to thank GRANT for that I just feel like I never got the chance. Until Valhalla, my brother" -- B.P.
"Miss him, Dude. I know you would give anything for one more day" -- D.C.
"A true hero!" -- G.M.
"At [LCC], I was in the next dorm over from GRANT & hung out with him at times when one of us was avoiding studying." -- E.J.
"At the [LCC] reception ... many people spoke GRANT's name and shared stories. There was a common thread ... I knew it was special, but I didn't know how to describe it. The word finally came to me. Affection." -- E.J.
SLOW HAND SALUTE
Don't hesitate to send us an email at: RIP.RememberGrantFreyAlways@gmail.com OR at: MIA.SeMPerFREYInc@gmail.com if you have any other questions or concerns, and certainly, IF you'd like to GET INVOLVED & become a vital part of the SeMPer FREY, Inc. 'Ohana.
YES. On February 26, 2020, on the very day LtCol FREY was interred with full military honors at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ("Punchbowl"), an emotional & very touching Obituary written by GRANT's (twin) brother (& our Foundation's Founder & Bd. Pres.), P. Gregory "Greg" Frey, was published in the HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER. We invite all followers & supporters of our website & nonprofit to read it here: https://obits.staradvertiser.com/2021/02/26/grant-victor-frey-26022021/
YES. A second Obituary was published in the The San Diego Union-Tribune in honor of & in tribute to Grant's many friends, coworkers & fellow BLUE KNIGHTS CA VI (LEMA). We invite all followers & supporters of our website & nonprofit to read it here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/name/grant-frey-obituary?id=13880421
The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs maintains an exceptionally informative website which tells you "anything & everything" you need or want to know about this National Landmark Cemetery (known to the local folks in the 808 Island State of Hawaii simply as "Punchbowl"). Learn all you want to know here: https://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/nmcp.asp
This website page includes a detailed index listing to the far LEFT. We invite you to hit the "GRAVE LOCATOR" tab / line. It will take you here: https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/ngl/result#err-msg Find the drop down tab / listing for HAWAII - NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC. Then type in the "Exact Match" for GRANT VICTOR FREY. You'll be taken here: https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/ngl/result#results-content Here is what you will find:
Name: FREY, GRANT VICTOR
Rank & Branch: LTCOL US MARINE CORPS
War Period: IRAQ
Date of Birth: 12/05/1960
Date of Death: 12/26/2020 Buried At: SECTION V SITE 334
Cemetery: NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC Cemetery Address: 2177 PUOWAINA DRIVE HONOLULU, HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 532-3720
Here is a rather detailed & informative MAP of the numerous Sections of "Punchbowl" Cemetery, to include the various burial sites, to include GRANT's located at Section V, (Grave)Site 334: FREY, GRANT VICTOR Section V Site 334: https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/ngl/NGLMap?ID=10225180
Your MONEY donation will help us to continue our mission. A mission which will forever honor & pay tribute to LtCol. FREY's lifelong desire to help & give guidance to those most in need. Every dollar counts and will make a HUGE difference in the lives of those we serve, ALL in LtCol. FREY's name & honor. Hit one of many links on just about every page of this informative Website, OR Scan a QR Code.
Our small yet extremely dedicated group of volunteers "do what they do" out of their collective respect for LtCol. FREY. Each wants and make a difference, ALL to honor & to pay tribute to LtCol. FREY. Want to HELP? Want to get involved? What to make a difference too? Your time and skills are appreciated. Hit one of many links on this informative Website to send us an email. We assure you. WE WILL RESPOND.
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings at SeMPer FREY Inc. dba The Wishes GRANTed Foundation by following us on social media. We're active on Facebook (Hit the link below) & Instagram ( #semperfrey ). In order to "get the word out," and to gain followers & supporters, we really depend upon the regular & constant engagement & involvement of all our supporters, friends & donors. Like. Comment. Share. Do it often.
We're always looking for new partners, new sponsors & new benefactors to collaborate with on projects and events which are designed & intended to generate MONEY donations & to bring in folks who want to HELP. Our Website's "Foundation Events" page keeps ALL informed re: events & important things that have happened, are happening & will happen going forward. If you and/or your organization share(s) our Foundation's values and our heartfelt mission, let's work together to make a positive impact just as LtCol. FREY would have done in life & would have wanted now. Hit one of several links found throughout this informative Website to express your desire the "link-up" to HELP SeMPer FREY, Inc. . raise money & increase donations in order to HELP others via meaningful & important GRANTS.
Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and business connections. Engage with us. Tell "anyone & everyone" you know to do the same. Over time, our modest Foundation hopes to be "well known," BUT it will NEVER happen without our supporters' energy & effort. HELP SeMPer FREY, Inc. become "well known," and in the process raise money to HELP folks who need the MONEY, ALL in keeping with our charitable mission & goals.
Copyright © 2021. SeMPer FREY Inc. dba The Wishes GRANTed Foundation - All Rights Reserved (Trademark pending) (Member, Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations ["HANO"]).
This Foundation is NOT endorsed or sanctioned or financially supported by the Heirs of GVF's Estate or by the Heirs' Affiliates & Agents, if any.
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Aloha & Mahalo for visiting our "Built from the Heart" website. We know you'll enjoy every page, article & picture. We want to inspire you to Get Involved & perhaps DONATE if you can in honor of LtCol GRANT V. FREY, USMC (Ret.).