DOVER — A decorated U.S. Air Force combat veteran who will be remembered for his smile and love of fast-moving machines was laid to rest by his family, friends and comrades in his hometown Sunday afternoon.

After returning from his third tour in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Brandon J. Cullen-Towle, 25, of Dover, died Aug. 25, in a motorcycle crash in Spring Lake, N.C.

Hundreds of family, friends and military personnel filled all four parlors and the hallways during the services at Tasker Funeral Home on Central Avenue.

Cullen-Towle's father, Brad Cullen of Farmington, who wore one of his son's dog tags, was still trying to accept the loss, but appreciated how many people came to support the family and say their farewells.

“It's been overwhelming — it touched my heart,” Cullen said.

Following a rifle salute and taps, members of two honor guard teams from Hanscom Air Force Base, in Massachusetts, and Pease Air Force Base, in Newington, silently and meticulously folded seven U.S. flags, which were presented by Cullen-Towle's comrades in the Air Force and the U.S. Marines Corps to his father, stepfather, brother, two sisters, wife — his high school sweetheart, Marlena Cullen-Towle — and mother, Laura Towle.

One of Cullen-Towle's sisters, Kaylee Towle, recalled during the services how her big brother, who also happened to be her best friend, touched every aspect of her life.

“Brandon was my hero long before he was in the Air Force,” Towle said, adding she got into sports and riding dirt bikes because of him.

She will miss him, she said, especially during her upcoming graduation and in the future when she gets married. Nonetheless, she knows she will never be completely alone.

“Since I've lost Brandon, I've gained a whole army of older brothers,” Towle said, adding she is grateful for their support.
Cullen-Towle's brother, Kameron Towle, said the loss leaves an empty space in his heart.

“I look up to him as a role model — everyone who met him, loved him,” he said.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Jackson, who bonded with Cullen-Towle during technical school in 2007, learned about the death of his friend as he was returning from his own third tour from Afghanistan.

“I just got back (last) Sunday,” Jackson said, recalling how happy he was to return, but saddened to hear about Cullen-Towle, who left Afghanistan two months earlier.

Jackson said the news hit especially hard since both he and Cullen-Towle lost a good friend — Senior Airman Brad Smith — who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010.

All three served as Joint Tactical Air Controllers (JTAC) who call in air strikes during combat operations within an elite group of Special Operations Forces in the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Field, N.C.

“It's going to be hard without him,” Jackson said.

He said he was grateful the family allowed him to escort Cullen-Towle home to Dover, as it helped provide closure.

Jackson said he knows for certain Cullen-Towle would have done the same thing for him.

“He took care of his friends and those under him,” Jackson said.

Wesley Shover, who previously served as a JTAC with Cullen-Towle, said he was shocked when he heard the news while on the way to a concert in California. He recalled almost turning around, but decided to go after thinking how Cullen-Towle was always up for a good time.

“We ask you to honor him today, tomorrow and for the rest of your lives by living to the limit,” Shover said.

He said that is what Cullen-Towle or “CT” would have wanted.

Shover said he is grateful for meeting Cullen-Towle's friends and family in Dover.

“I've been here all week seeing his friends, in the places he used to go like he was here with me,” Shover said.

He said it's helped to exchange stories, especially ones involving motocross or dirt bikes.

At the end of the ceremonies, Cullen-Towle's comrades affixed their Tactical Air Control Party's crest — which previously adorned their berets — to his coffin before family members said their final farewells.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders Post 8, Chapter 19 provided a color guard along Central Avenue during both the visiting hours and funeral while helping to escort the procession to burial services Sunday.

Friends and family met afterwards at Kelley's Row, where Cullen-Towle once worked.

Rev. Joseph Bauer, who is a friend of the family, said the turnout was not only a testament to Cullen-Towle, but his whole family.

“We need more people like Brandon, who have a heart as big as the world,” Bauer said. He said Cullen-Towle would want people to be comforted by sharing memories and remembering his smile.

“Our hearts are heavy now, but we know they will be filled with much joy in remembering him,” Bauer said.

To help honor his memory, the family created a scholarship in his name. Donations can be made to the Brandon J. Cullen-Towle Memorial Scholarship, c/o Dover High School Athletics, 25 Alumni Drive, Dover, NH 03820.