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Veterans Reflection Circle
The circle will be built within the Surprise Community Park, next to the fishing lake. The site was selected as a tribute to Mancini’s love of nature, fishing and quiet self-reflection. These were important components to his healing philosophy he shared at Honor House, the nonprofit Mancini started to help fellow combat veterans connect with non-medicinal therapies.
Elements of water and plant life will be woven into a tranquil seating area and circular pathway. The memorial will pay tribute to Mancini and his legacy by telling his story and providing a place for veterans to reflect, find healing and feel the community’s deep appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
The beautiful and thoughtful project design was completed at no cost by local design companies Logan Simpson and WERK. The generosity and heart of these firms inspired the idea to invite members of the construction and landscape communities to become partners in honoring our veterans by donating products and services to help bring this incredible project to life. To learn more, view Become a Partner.
The Veterans Reflection Circle is scheduled to open on Veterans Day 2019.
Brian’s Story
Brian Scott Mancini was a medically retired Sergeant First Class, Combat Wounded Veteran who served as a Combat Medic with two tours in Baghdad, Iraq. He served over 12 years in the United States Army and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Air Assault Badge and Flight Medic Badge.
In 2007, Mancini suffered life-threatening injuries from a roadside bomb attack in Iraq. Following years of surgeries and rehabilitation, the Surprise resident founded Honor House, a place where wounded veterans could go for therapy and counseling.
Mancini passed away at the age of 38 in 2017. That same year, he was posthumously inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.
His story and combat injuries were the focus of an April 2018 60 Minutes story detailing new medical studies surrounding PTSD and the brain impacts suffered during explosions.
