RUSS BRIAN J

CW2 Brian J. Russ was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/24/2025 at the age of 77.1
Sarasota, FL
Flight Classes 69-43 and 69-39
Date of Birth 05/14/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with C/2/20 ARA 1 CAV in 70, A/2/20 ARA 1 CAV in 70-71, F/79 AFA 1 CAV in 71
Call sign in Vietnam BLUE MAX 68
This information was provided by Lyle Borders

More detail on this person: Obituary for Brian John Russ Brian John Russ, a.k.a. Snake Driver, passed away on June 12, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida from complications following heart surgery. He was 77. He was born on May 14, 1948 in Warren, Ohio to Peter Russ and Silvia Turner Russ. They preceded him in death as did his daughter Heather Gustafson. He was named veteran of the year in 2021. He was serving as the commander of the Vietnam Brotherhood Alpha Company and concurrently commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post 97 in Sarasota. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and helpfulness to all he encountered. He was always willing and ready to help anyone in need. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his wife, Carole Kujala-Russ, his daughter April Isler, his brother Stephen Russ, his two grandchildren, Zachary Gustafson and Mila Isler, and his three stepsons Jeffrey, David and Daniel L'Amoureaux. Brian will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Disabled American Veterans immediately after the internment at 7177 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL. Donations in lieu of flowers can be accepted via the Disabled American Veterans website DAV.org.

Burial information: Sarasota National Cemetery

This information was last updated 12/07/2025

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 02/07/2026