I created this blog so that the friends and family of Brian Norman can post things in his memory and to help each other heal...any negative comments will result in the poster being banned permanantly.
I just want to say that Mr. Norman was my teacher this year and he was the best teacher I have ever had in my life. When he got replaced by the long term sub this year, and I figured that he wasent going to come back it was really upsetting. Mr. Norman was a lot more than just an ordinary teacher. He cared about me, and everyone in my class. He went out of his way to make class fun, and still teach us. Everyday he would tell a iraq story and show us pictures on his computer. He made class a lot of fun by feeding us his army food when we answered a question right. He also would always throw a vollyball around the classroom and when he threw it to you it was your turn to answer the question. He also would go out of his way to make up his own exams instead of just giving us the ordinary county exam. He really cared if we passed or failed, and he was the best teacher ever. He always told my class that his teaching career was more important than anything, and it showed. I feel really sorry for his family, and I wish he was still teaching because I looked foward to going to his class everyday. He was a lot of fun, and was really funny, and still tought me a lot in the short amount of time that I had him.
Brian and I taught together at C. Milton Wright. He always made me laugh. We shared student stories and military stories. I can't think about him without smiling.
First, Thank You Andy for creating a safe haven to express our grief. Our family wants to extend our deepest sympathies to Brian's family. He brought tons of laughter to our home and wonderful memories that we will never forget. I wish we could attend his funeral and pay our respects to his family in person. No one will ever forget Brian, he will live in all our hearts forever.
Andy, Thank you for making this website. So we dont have to listen to them jerks say anymore mean commenets
Mr Norman was my teacher this year (2008). He was the best teacher ever i hated history so much. But when i got to my first day of U.S. World History. I knew that i would have clear understanding. Mr. Norman was so funny cheerful and caring. He would give us gateorades, dounuts, candy just about anything. He was the best teacher i ever had. When i meet him i felt like i knew him my whole life i am deeply upset about all of this and everytime i think about such a great person teacher and human being he was i cry. My thoughts and prayer's go out to his twin brother and his father, mother and the rest of his family. He will never be forgotten. Mr. Brian Norman will always be in my heart and my thoughts
Yea Mr. Norman was the best teacher! History became my favorite subject after my first day in his class. After that, I couldnt wait to have his class again. Mr. Norman was one of the funniest person that I knew, and had the best stories. Its really sad about what happened. Not only did he make class a lot of fun by feeding us when we were hungry and showing us his iraq pictures and telling jokes, but he was also good at teaching. He tought in a really good way that made class a lot of fun and tought us a lot. There wasent one day that he did not have a smile on his face. You could tell that he really liked his job and liked working with us. -NHHS student. I had him this school year (2008-2009) US History.
We are deeply sadned by this tragedy. Our thought and prayers go out to the Norman family. Life is so short we should embrace people with love and open arms. If there is anything we can do for you all we are for you. We thank the Normans for always being kind and apt to always give there shirt off their backs to anyone in need. It’s ashame that the people that care the most have to suffer in this harsh world. Our hearts goes out to the Norman Family.
I served with Brian in Iraq.He was very dedicated to his students and what ever he put his mind too.There is no dought in my mind that he will be found innocent. RIP Norman….
I had Mr. Norman my freshman year. He was the furthest thing from a bad teacher. I learned more in his class than any other. He always knew how to have fun and how to get the point across. He helped me so much with a lot, and I will miss him more than words can say. He doesn’t deserve any of this negative crap. He was an amazing person.
Rest In Peace Brian Norman, we’ll all miss you. <3
I’ve known Mr.Norman since I was 12 years old. He was a teacher at my old middle school and he was an amazing teacher. He was fun to be around. I graduated from NHHS last year and before I left for college this year I stopped by to say hi to some old teachers and saw him there and talked to him for a little bit to see how he was doing. He was a great teacher and did a lot in the way of serving our country. I’m saddened by his death. I’ll miss him
Mr. Norman was an amazing, enthusiastic teacher. He could actually engage his students and in his class, kids actually learned and enjoyed being there. I wish other teachers could’ve learned something from him. A couple months back, he gave an assembly at CMW for The Kite Runner that was really very touching. So many students were glad to see him back then and many will be crushed now that he’s gone. He’s going to be missed, he was a great person. RIP
Mr. Norman was the best teacher I ever had. He made US history a lot of fun! I looked foward to going to his class everyday. People always used to ask him why he was a teacher and he always said “it wasent for the money, I love my job” He served our country, and was a really good teacher and everyone in our class really liked him. He dosent deserve what happened.
Norman was THE best teacher I ever had. God rest his soul. He helped all the people he could and was an amazing positive influence on many peoples lives
I’ve known Brian for as long as I can remember (and based on pictures apparently before I could remember anything). I grew up with him and he was always an honest, good-hearted person. He was the type of person that would do anything to help a friend. He was a good person and one of the most selfless people I have ever met (the other happens to be his brother). I cannot express the grief felt by this lose. All friends and family, please know my thoughts are with you. So much more to say, but I’ll save the heart-wrenching stuff for a one-on-one conversation with his brother.
I served in Afghanistan with Brian. We called him Jimmy Neutron and it was for a good reason. If we lacked in something , he worked with us until we got it. He received a BRONZE STAR for his actions. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge! He was a hero and it is a shame that that SORRY SCHOOL is not doing ANYTHING for him! REST IN PEACE VIPER 44! WE LUV U AND WILL MISS U! We won’t let your memory be tarnished! I PROMISE!!!!! Easy Rider 26
I aided for Mr.Norman last year, for half of the year. he was one of the best teachers ive ever met. he truly cared about his students. i find it very hard to believe that he did anything to those girls beyond just being a mentor. i was in a room, with no windows, with him for an hour and a half every other day and he never once did anything even remotely unprofessional. he was one of the people who motivated me to even consider going to college, and i am very grateful to have had him in my life. he will truly and sincerely be missed. <3
Mr. Norman was my history teacher this year. I looked at him as not only a teacher, but a friend. He was like no other teacher. He told us things that no one else told us like, every teacher in school has been telling us all of our life that college is the key to success. Mr. Norman told us the opposite. He explained to us about all the successful people in the world who didn’t go to college. He gave us his own incite on everything and made class fun. He taught us in a fun way and made sure that we knew what we were doing. The first day Mr.Norman was taken out of school, we had a substitute and nobody would tell us where Mr.Norman was or when he was coming back, and to be honest, my class flipped out. We wanted no other teacher except Norman, and even today we give our sub teacher a hard time. No one can teach at the standards that Mr.Norman did. Today, when we came into class, there were guidance counselors standing around talking to us about his death, and I know that me and my classmates were deeply upset and we would like to know about any information on his viewing or memorial service. Also, we would like to send cards and letter to his family and friends. You will be missed, R.I.P Norman<3
mr. norman was a great teacher i meet him in 7th grade when i had him for social studies at magnolia middle school. he always made sure i was doing well in school. we always were talking about cars and what his car ran at the track each week. he was a great person, solider, and teacher RIP mr . norman
Hello everyone! i was a student of Mr.Normans in 7th grade….I am Now 18 years old and graduated so i knew Mr. Norman for a long time……He’s I never new him for anything else but caring, loving , smart and funny……And when it came to the books he def didn’t play around!!! I can remeber like it was yesterday gettin my new schedule for school prayin that i didnt get Mr. Noman i heard he was jus the meanest teacher!!! But of corse my luck i got em and wen i walked in his room i felt like i enter military school….lol but after a while he turned out to be one of the best teachers i ever had!!!! He made learning easy and fun…..And best of all he always got me out of trouble I was so shock and devasted to hear about the loss….I thought mr. norman was a tank and never could be stopped….but everyone has their time….When God calls on us its time to go….”He kept at true good humour’s mark The social flow of pleasure’s tide:He never made a brow look dark,Nor caused a tear, but when he died.”~Thomas Love Peacock My sympathy goes out to his family…He was a good man….An to his father…i jus wanted to let you kno that he talked about you alot….I’ll never forget when he told me that if it wasn’t for you he wouldn’t be the man he was today.. I heard sum crazy stories about the time he skipped school and you caught him…lol that was great…..
I got to know Brian Norman very well. We served in Afghanistan together. He and I slept only a few feet apart for a couple of months literally in the middle of nowhere. Brian could outwork anyone. He was a genius.
Other people called him Jimmy Neutron but I always described him as Hammy - the hyper squirrel in the movie “Over the Hedge”. He only had two speeds - off (when sleeping) and supersonic.
I am saddened to hear he is not among us anymore. He was a good friend.
i am a student at North Harford but i was not a student of Mr.Normans but i did no him. he was such a cool teacher. if a teacher would see you in the halls with your phone out or ipod they would take it from you and send it to the office, but if Norman saw you he would take it, turn it off, and hand it back to you.
mr norman was my favorite teacher ever. he did everything he could to make sure we were all successful and he could always make everyone laugh. RIP, wish he could still be here
mr norman was my history teacher at magnolia middle. he was an amazing teacher! he was tons of fun.. always had us laughing. he didnt take crap off of anyone and kept the punks in check! i’ll never forget when he hid in the closet to see who would come in the class and talk crap and act up. when he popped out he scared us all but laughed it off. he kept all of us interested in his class and had snowball fights with us like a big kid! i will miss him a lot and am so sad he is gone <33
It was my pleasure to serve with SSG Norman and have him under my charge. He was an excellent soldier that executed everything to an almost anal degree. Watching him all you could do was shake your head and laugh, just wondering where the heck he got all of his excitement and energy. He loved what he did in the military and he loved to teach. I can’t tally the total hours he spent telling student and school stories to his fellow soldiers. He truly loved you guys. I’ll pray for his soul and may he rest In peace.
Mr.Norman was my 9th grade american government teacher. I really miss him and shock of what happened to him. He was a really nice teacher and would never hurt anybody. I know how his family and friends feel because I miss him alot and feel really upset. I really miss him. R.I.P. BRIAN NORMAN
Brian was truly a great American hero! I served with him in Afghanistan, He was a real helper with the gun trucks.Brian would never stop at a problem until He could come up with a fix and find out a way for the problem not to happen again. He was was fearless on the battlefield and during his down ( He had very little downtime) He would talk about school. I admired his talents and strengths and his never ending desire to help others. Brian we will see you on the other side!
I was not a student of Mr. Norman, but my friend Carolyn was his friend’s student aide, and when i was with her, we always went to talk to Mr. Norman. He was the kind of person that I felt I could go to and just talk about anything. You see my mom died seven months ago and, honestly, me and him weould talk in the hallways or during his planning period just about how to cope and how that she never left me. He made me realize that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. I will admit i was terriffed of him at first but then once I finally started talking to him he just had this warm and comforting vibe that came off of him. I thank him for serving our country, that means so much to me. I know that all the accusations are false, I always have believed that he would never do something like that. I will miss hearing his loud rough voice from down the hallway, and his heartfilled laughter. I loved his jokes no matter how corny they were. MR. NORMAN I WILL FOREVER MISS YOU!!! He was my friend, and mentor and i don’t think that i will ever be able to find someone that was like him ever again. he was a one of a kind.
I had Norman for American Government my freshman year. When he first walked in the room he kinda scared me and I never thought that he would become my favorite teacher but he did. Any fellow ‘09 Mustangs will remember the trebuchet that he built. We all spent a whole class watching him launch stuff like mellons, water jugs, bags of flour, and a printer (not very aerodynamic). I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that I cried so much when he got deployed that I couldn’t even say goodbye.
SSG Norman and I served in Afghanistan together. For several months we lived in a hostile valley in the mountains north of Gardez. Not a day went by that we didn’t go out on some kind of dangerous mission. His unwavering courage and valor under enemy fire make me proud to say I fought by his side. SSG Brian Norman is a hero and he will be missed. Rest in peace Brian.
I served with Brian for years. I remember when he joined our unit, I told my NCOs not to give him any coffee, he had enough adrenaline for all of us…..he often told us about his students , about how much they meant to him….he put his life on the line for his country on more than one occasion…..I only know what I saw with my own eyes…Brian, God Bless you, Rest in Peace.
I was lucky enough to listen to the presentation from “Stormin Norman” about his time in the Middle East.He made us all remember how lucky we are to live here and made us realize that goodness can be found in everything if you just look hard enough. He was respected by all of his students and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Norman was one of the best teachers I had while at CMW. He came along about half way through my sophomore year as a world history teacher. He really changed the way I felt about history. He made it fun and interesting to learn- I actually wanted to go to his class. His compassion for his students was admirable, and so was his discipline. He didn’t let kids fool around, but he still let us have fun and that is a tricky thing for a high school teacher to do. He was always respectable towards his students and made us feel like we were more than just a bunch of kids. I thought he was nuts when he built the catapult and threw stuff across the fields on his last day before he left for Afghanistan. But thats just how he was- funny, unpredictable, and very unique. And that is how most of his students will remember him. I graduated in the spring of 2007 and Mr. Norman had been on his tour in the Middle East, but he made it to our graduation. He made sure he did. Now that was amazing. It felt like he was proud of us, and we were proud of him. I hope he is at peace now and maybe this mess can get cleared up. My prayers go out to his family and I hope they can have some peace this holiday. Thank you Mr. Norman!! RIP
There are so many good memories I shared with Norman. From drag racing that Benz to repelling, hanging out on the weekends, building up his Vega, and watching the fights on the big screen.
The world has lost one of it's greatest human beings ever. This man was not only dedicated to his country, but he was dedicated to teaching young people. I never had him for class but I learned more from him by starting up car club at CMW and hanging out with him, than any person. While serving overseas he has risked his life and put it all on the line day in and day out for many months that eventually turned into years.
Judgment shall be passed on those who accuse others on false accusations.
Norman RIP
You are missed by all. The world will never be the same again.
Stormin' Normin was a one of a kind. A whirlwind that came into your life - and left you changed. I do believe he could have been to solution to our country's future energy needs... From the Bunkers and the swimming hole, to standing Hummer's on their ends, to the mini-bike racess in the barracks. You will definately be missed - Semper Fi
I first met Brian at the registrar's office my freshman year. In line, he asked me why I was so upset. I explained I was homesick. He asked where I was from. Without hesitation, he offered to take me home. He didn't know me and I didn't know him. His act of kindness sparked a friendship that has spanned 15 years. He would drive people to the mall, home, ANYWHERE they needed to go. And that was 15 years ago. He was just a GENEROUS, humbled person.
He tried to teach me how to drive a stick shift in his old Eagle. He was very patient.
A few years ago Brian returned to Western PA for the holidays and stopped in just to tell my family hello. That was the person Brian Norman was.
I am extremely proud to call him my friend. I was introduced to the Norman family on several occasions and I applaud them for the man they raised. He was and will always be a hero to me. My daughter will hear about him through stories of my crazy college life and the great friend I made in him. I can only hope that she finds a friend as true as Brian.
It saddens me that time and distance limited our contact in recent years. I heard stories about his love for teaching when he came to visit that holiday season. That was truly a gift he was blessed with...making others learn through laughter. I will miss him very, very much. He is probably in heaven making my father roar with laughter as only Brian knew how. Good night my friend, til we meet again.
To Brian's relative on the last post...I can't reply to the e mails that come to me for posting on this site because they go through this site first. E mail me at alevy11@gmail.com and we can talk...thanks.
Brian's memorial service will be held on Jan 10th at 11am at the Bel Air Armory on 37 N. Main St in Bel Air. THere will be light refreshments. There will also be a preorder form for Brian's memorial t-shirts. The shirts will sell for $15 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Brian Norman memorial fund for research and treatment of PTSD. There will be a few shirts there to see before you place your order.
All I have to say is that mr. norman was the best teacher and I looked up to him every class. He tought me so much in the short amount of time that I had him this year. He was so cool and funny, better than any teacher I have ever had. He cared about everyone, cared about our grades, and would do anything for everyone. There is no other teacher like him. I always used to tell people from the first week of school that he was the best. You could talk to him about anything, and maybe he should of been a comedian because he was the funniest person and could always make me and my class laugh all of the time. His war stories were so nice and cool, and it was nice when he brought in all of his war gear and army food and medication just to show us. I will always remember him as the best person that I know and if you knew him you were really lucky b/c he was 1 of a kind teacher and friend. I would of helped him do anything just like he helped me and other kids in my class. RIP NORMAN A.K.A NORMANATER (thats what we wrote on his chalkboard and always used to call him) Now that I think about it I was so lucky to get him as a teacher and I was lucky to get to know him as a friend and see that huge smile and energy he had every class. No one will understand how much I looked up to him as a huge influence and role model in my life.
To the person who posted about shirts in memory of Brian, I am not from MD. I am one of Brian's friends from college. I live in eastern PA and would love to get a shirt or two for other members of my family who also had the pleasure of being a part of Brian's life. Could you please post how to order them? I will pay any amount of shipping.
If you would like to order a shirt and are unable to make it to the memorial service you can email me at jbender16@aol.com or mail me a note with your desired size and quantity. Enclose $15 for each shirt. THe order will be placed on Jan 12th. Email me for the address and image of the shirt.
I had the privellege of knowing this great man, i was a 7th student at magnolia middle school in his social studies class. ive learned more things from this man than any other teacher before and after him. he was a srgt. in the military, he was very disciplined and well spoken. he’s teaching methods were very unformal which is what made him such a great teacher. he was friends with almost all of his students. one time he even made a bet with me, if i could make honor roll, then he would buy me a Playstation 2. i made honor roll and i showed him. later that day he stopped by my house and brought it over, he said he just stopped at the pawn shop and picked it up, he gave me a couple of his favorite old games. when he left to go back to Iraq he would write me letters and call the house phone sometimes to see how i was doing. he said he would come to my high school and teach there (Joppatowne High School). i was dissapointed when he couldn’t teach there. whether he did it or not, he was a great man and teacher. he deserved our respect and sadly not everyone showed it to him. i hope you all remember him well. i know i will.
The other day I was thinking about Brian. I thought he would probably be helping some poor guy whose car was broken down on the side of the road. Or, maybe just listening to a student that nobody ever took the time to listen to. Maybe he would be promoting some event with his unending entheausiam that was evident no matter what he did. Maybe he would be telling his army buddies and old friends some of his amazing student stories. Maybe he would be telling his students some of his amazing army stories. All I know is that whatever he would have been doing he would have made someone's day better. He would have reminded them to try to be a better person by his actions. Brian you were so loved, admired, appreciated, and needed. Your life impacted so many in so many good, wonderful ways. You will be truly missed. You will always be remembered fondly. Rest in peace Brian... And, know you were soooooo loved by sooo many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Brian for soooo much!!!!!!!!!!
I did not have Mr. Norman as a teacher but I got to know him this year, just as a person by seeing him in the hallway and saying hi because he was the new teacher. I will deeply miss him and the races down the hallway, which he always won.
R.I.P. Mr. Brian Norman, amazing teacher, person and soilder for his country. YOU WILL BE MISSED
Last night as I was driving to work 9 I live in Englewood, Florida now), I was talking to my mother who lives in Irwin, PA. She said honey I have bad news to tell you. She goes on to tell me my dear friend Brian has passed away. We lost touch after he went to Pitt university - but before he attended Pitt I spent more time with him than anybody else.
The guy I will always remember will be the one who could make me laugh all the time, he was always there for me, there wasn’t anything he would not have done for a friend.
This is soooo sad - the student that made these terrible lies should look in the mirror and ask herself if all this was really worth it- you misunderstood him and turned his whole life upset down - being a teacher is a hard profession to be in these days - you can’t do enough and you can’t do too much. I hand it to him a teacher and a soldier - what a rare one of a kind. I will miss you Brian-I looked for you all over the internet but never had any luck finding you. I cried tonight at work after my mom told me.
This whole thing makes me totally sick to my stomach-this should never have been like this for you.
I can’t even imagine how your family is. My prayers go out to Lee his brother and his family. Gee whiz, I can’t believe it. Thanks for this blog-people have NO idea how great he was if you can say terrible things.
This whole thing seems unreal. He in a place now where no one can hurt him now. He laughing it up with Teddy from Teddy Resturant.
You were thought about often - I am just sorry it is too late to meet up again.
I was saddened to hear of Brian's untimely death. I was priveledged to know the kindness and passion for life that was Brian. He was a good and decent man that was a blessing in many people's lives. His high expectations for his students and his passion for teaching and making this world a better place were his reason for being. As someone who works with students of all ages, I can understand his enjoyment in being in their company. They have not yet been jaded by life and they have not learned many of life's lessons so in that way they are innocent. Their take on life can be refreshing. Brian was a rare exception, willing to take the risk of being misunderstood in his efforts to effect positive change in his students lives. His love for his students was obvious as well as their love for him. He walked thru this world trying to make it a better place in every situation he encountered. So many people loved him and I wish he had realized that those who knew him would have stood by him just as ardently as he stood by those he cared about...students and adults alike. I knew you only as a kind, compassionate, and caring teacher who my daughter thought the world of. It was your first year of teaching and you stood by her during a very difficult time in her life. It meant the world to both of us. You will be missed Brian. Rest in God's presence.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Brian’s death. My child was in the first class that Brian taught and throughout that year I was privileged to experience the kindness and passion for fairness that was Brian. While he may have been “stern” in his expectations for his students, this only helped his pupils try and achieve what he knew they were capable of. He was a gifted teacher with a passion for what he did. His energy and unique approach to teaching was a welcome and refreshing change from the norm. Yes, Brian could be quite unconventional in his ways but that is part of what made him such a successful teacher. And it is a rare thing to find a teacher who cares so much for his students, that he dared to go against the norm and take a risk because he knew that it would benefit his students. He went far beyond what could have been expected of a teacher, achieving extraordinary results in his students lives. One gleaming example of this was in his first year of teaching. My child was having a difficult time emotionally, and thru little fault of her own, was suspended from school. He found her crying in the hall and when he heard her story he accompanied her to the office and was her advocate at a time she desperately needed one. He came to my house and fervently offered to go before the board and be a character witness for her. And during the time she was suspended, he met with her and another student at the public library so they could keep up with their studies until they returned. Brian was a good and decent man who was passionate about making the world a better place. No one of us is perfect and we have all made errors in judgement. Some people may find it unacceptable to involve themselves in minor children’s lives because they are too concerned about society misinterpreting their actions. Brian was happy and willing to take that risk. And there are some of us who don’t find that strange. As someone who works around students of all ages, I also find enjoyment interacting with them. They are not yet jaded by life and have yet to learn many of life’s lessons, so in that way they are “innocent”. Their candor is refreshing. For many children today, there are no adults in their lives who full fill the roles that they should. That leaves a terribly large gap in a child’s life that can be either filled with positive or negative influences. Brian realized this and didn’t just “talk the talk” but “walked the walk”. He dared to make a difference for the better and many people thru out his life reaped the benefits. Brian…you will be terribly missed by many. Rest in peace.
I just learned about Brian's death and am deeply shocked and saddened. Brian and I shared an office my first year at CMW. I counted him as one of my friends. I knew he was a good teacher, I saw the hours of prep work and heard the praises of his students. Any teacher who can make government fun is a good teacher. I know, I'm a history teacher and I hate government!
I also very much appreciated his dedication. It was common to see him cruising the halls to hold the students responsible to the dress code, he had a box for hats. He also stalked through the woods to catch smokers! Great stuff! His enthusiasm made me smile on a daily basis.
I pray for the Norman family, this loss has to be devasting. I know I feel bad, and 49 other people who wrote on this blog feel bad. It is such a sad thing... Is there something his friends and his students can learn from this?
There will be a short memorial service at North Harford High School Friday at 7:15 am in the school gym. This will include the video from the Harford County Memorial Service. Come support MR. NORMAN!!!!
I am so very sorry for the terrible news of brians passing on. The tears wouldn't stop as i just learned of the news. My heart is hurting because you never think of losing the bravest & courageous ones on this earth. Maybe i'm sounding stupid right now, please forgive me. I always thought of Brian as a very creative, thoughtful & heroic man. He will be sadly missed & i will keep a lot of the memories close to my heart. My prayers are with Ms. Norman & Mr. Norman & Lee. Lee, i'm so sorry, from the bottom of my heart. Brian loved, cared & would of done anything for the ones that he loved & whom were close to him. I'm forever saddened by the loss of a remarkable man. R.I.P Brian & You'll be missed.
I am a student at NH, the school Mr.Norman last taught at and I only talked to him a few times. I'm not going to lie either, he was a little intimitating but still nice, never mean. I knew he served in Iraq and everything but reading this blog really showed me what he was truly like. After reading all this stuff, its hard to believe he was actually guilty of the charge that was filed against him. I have sympathy for his family and wish them the best, I can only imagine what I would feel like if this ever happened to me. RIP Mr.Norman.
Mr.Norman was my FAVORITE teacher in the whole entire world. I idolized him and everything he ever did! He was an AMAZING teacher! He's the reason I pushed myself to graduate. I loved him as if he were my older brother. He always came over to talk to my dad. My dad kinda took him into the family as a son. He was so loving and I could talk to him about everything and anything! He would never do anything to hurt anyone. I know this... YES he was UNIQUE lol but he would never try to get himself or anyone else in trouble. REST IN PEACE!!!! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED. AND I MEAN ALWAYS.
We just found out today 3 months after the fact about this tragedy. YES, i say tragedy because this was a teacher who actually cared about his students! He didn't just come to school and go home and forget about them. Mr. Norman was my son's history teacher in middle school back in 2002. My son at the time was having difficulties in school. I had such a hard time getting him to do his work, remembering to bring home homework, Etc. He has ADD, so school was always a chore for him. Mr. Norman took a special interest in my son. I expressed to him my concerns about how my son was acting at the time and how school seemed so unimportant to him. Mr. Norman came to our home picked up my son and took him to the military base for some life experiences. He showed him how hard life would be for him if he didn't change his attitude and start caring about himself and his education. My son had his head shaved this day on base. I told Mr. Norman to do whatever it takes to get through to him. My son came home that day, mad and I believe a changed person. He paid attention more in school. Mr. Norman turned out to be his favorite teacher. i was very grateful to Mr. Norman for opening my son's eyes to things, I just couldn't. He only saw me as the lecturing mother, but he really paid attention to the things Mr. Norman said to him. My son went on to graduate from high school in 2008, a very big accomplishment for him, someone who struggled through school with ADD and he did it he walked across that stage!! He called Mr. Norman and invited him to his graduation, and party. Unfortunately he was away on a training mission for the military, but he did talk to my son and told him he always knew he would graduate. I wanted to tell this story to show what kind of man Mr. Norman was. He cared about his students, these may not have been by the book teaching skills, but he knew what would work. He would meet with kids outside of school, he would go to their home, if he thought that it would help in any way. He was very excited about history and he tried to get his students equally as excited. I will always be grateful to the man who helped turn my son's head around to look towards his future, instead of going down the road of god knows where. My son was brought to tears today when he heard about this TRAGEDY, he just said WHY? He was such a good person. I had no answers for him. I myself can't understand this. R.I.P. Mr. Norman, you made a difference to many, THANK YOU!!! A Grateful MOM !!
I don't have any way to get in touch with Brian's family. Please share this info from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) with Brian's family. Thanks.
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:22:59 -0400 From: mail@iava.org To: mjgerity@hotmail.com Subject: Starting the Conversation
Dear Mary Jane,
"It was hard to hide my fears and remain positive about the situation 24/7. I felt like I had to be tough for his benefit and for my own."
Like military families across the country, Don and Lisa Gomez of Bellerose, New York watched as their son, Don, deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005. Along with his fiancée, Jessica, they were overjoyed to welcome him home. Relieved that he returned safely, they thought the hard part was over. But the first few months after Don came back weren't easy. Don's father said when his son returned, "He seemed harder. He had been overseas and he made it back. He didn't really want to talk about it."
Do you know any families like the Gomezes who've had a loved one deploy? If you do, we need your help making sure they're the first to know about an historic new campaign we're launching on April 30th for friends and families of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Click here to send them a quick note. Since you're already an IAVA Supporter, we'll let you know as soon as the campaign launches. But we need your help to make sure it reaches even more people.
Many of us know that 1.7 million men and women have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, but less attention is paid to the sacrifices made by the parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children and friends they leave behind. Last November, we launched a successful campaign with the Ad Council aimed at easing the transition home for returning veterans- you may have seen those ads start to show up around the country. Now, we're building on that campaign's success and creating a new public service announcement campaign for friends and families of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, like the Gomez family.
The national campaign will feature television, radio and online ads, directing people to an interactive and informative website that offers mental health resources, information on navigating the VA, and a discussion forum where visitors can connect with others going through similar experiences. The goal is to help those close to veterans start a conversation about their experiences overseas- often the most difficult part of coming home.
This ground-breaking campaign will launch on April 30th, just a few weeks away. Can you help us get the word out?
Click here to let your friends or loved ones with a veteran in their life know about this new campaign, and we'll make sure they hear about the launch before anyone else.
With the surge of new veterans expected to return from Iraq over the next few years, this campaign is going to be an important part in welcoming them home. We're looking forward to the launch on April 30th, and can't wait to share more of it with you.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us.
Sincerely,
Paul
Paul Rieckhoff Iraq Veteran Executive Director & Founder Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Brian was my son's teacher this year. He LOVED spending 80 minutes or more each day M-F in his class. RIP Mr. Norman. You are missed
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that Mr. Norman was my teacher this year and he was the best teacher I have ever had in my life. When he got replaced by the long term sub this year, and I figured that he wasent going to come back it was really upsetting. Mr. Norman was a lot more than just an ordinary teacher. He cared about me, and everyone in my class. He went out of his way to make class fun, and still teach us. Everyday he would tell a iraq story and show us pictures on his computer. He made class a lot of fun by feeding us his army food when we answered a question right. He also would always throw a vollyball around the classroom and when he threw it to you it was your turn to answer the question. He also would go out of his way to make up his own exams instead of just giving us the ordinary county exam. He really cared if we passed or failed, and he was the best teacher ever. He always told my class that his teaching career was more important than anything, and it showed. I feel really sorry for his family, and I wish he was still teaching because I looked foward to going to his class everyday. He was a lot of fun, and was really funny, and still tought me a lot in the short amount of time that I had him.
ReplyDeleteAndy,
ReplyDeleteBless you for making this blog. I am so glad that there will now be a safe and healing place to remember Mr. Norman.
My son also had him this year and misses him so much. He made him excited about school for the first time in his life.
All of you are in my thoughts and I wish so much that none of this happened and he was still teaching you kids.
He was a special, gifted man who will not be forgotten.
Thank you,
A Mom
Brian and I taught together at C. Milton Wright. He always made me laugh. We shared student stories and military stories. I can't think about him without smiling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating this site.
First, Thank You Andy for creating a safe haven to express our grief. Our family wants to extend our deepest sympathies to Brian's family. He brought tons of laughter to our home and wonderful memories that we will never forget. I wish we could attend his funeral and pay our respects to his family in person. No one will ever forget Brian, he will live in all our hearts forever.
ReplyDeleteAndy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for making this website. So we dont have to listen to them jerks say anymore mean commenets
Mr Norman was my teacher this year (2008). He was the best teacher ever i hated history so much. But when i got to my first day of U.S. World History. I knew that i would have clear understanding. Mr. Norman was so funny cheerful and caring. He would give us gateorades, dounuts, candy just about anything. He was the best teacher i ever had. When i meet him i felt like i knew him my whole life i am deeply upset about all of this and everytime i think about such a great person teacher and human being he was i cry. My thoughts and prayer's go out to his twin brother and his father, mother and the rest of his family. He will never be forgotten. Mr. Brian Norman will always be in my heart and my thoughts
Rest in peace Mr. Norman
A.K.A Jimmy Newtron
Yea Mr. Norman was the best teacher! History became my favorite subject after my first day in his class. After that, I couldnt wait to have his class again. Mr. Norman was one of the funniest person that I knew, and had the best stories. Its really sad about what happened. Not only did he make class a lot of fun by feeding us when we were hungry and showing us his iraq pictures and telling jokes, but he was also good at teaching. He tought in a really good way that made class a lot of fun and tought us a lot. There wasent one day that he did not have a smile on his face. You could tell that he really liked his job and liked working with us.
ReplyDelete-NHHS student. I had him this school year (2008-2009) US History.
To the Norman Family,
ReplyDeleteWe are deeply sadned by this tragedy. Our thought and prayers go out to the Norman family. Life is so short we should embrace people with love and open arms. If there is anything we can do for you all we are for you. We thank the Normans for always being kind and apt to always give there shirt off their backs to anyone in need. It’s ashame that the people that care the most have to suffer in this harsh world. Our hearts goes out to the Norman Family.
Mr Norman was abolutely lovely. He was someone who students could trust.
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace Brian Norman
xxxx
I served with Brian in Iraq.He was very dedicated to his students and what ever he put his mind too.There is no dought in my mind that he will be found innocent. RIP Norman….
ReplyDeleteI had Mr. Norman my freshman year. He was the furthest thing from a bad teacher. I learned more in his class than any other. He always knew how to have fun and how to get the point across. He helped me so much with a lot, and I will miss him more than words can say. He doesn’t deserve any of this negative crap. He was an amazing person.
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace Brian Norman, we’ll all miss you. <3
I’ve known Mr.Norman since I was 12 years old. He was a teacher at my old middle school and he was an amazing teacher. He was fun to be around. I graduated from NHHS last year and before I left for college this year I stopped by to say hi to some old teachers and saw him there and talked to him for a little bit to see how he was doing. He was a great teacher and did a lot in the way of serving our country. I’m saddened by his death. I’ll miss him
ReplyDeleteMr. Norman was an amazing, enthusiastic teacher. He could actually engage his students and in his class, kids actually learned and enjoyed being there. I wish other teachers could’ve learned something from him. A couple months back, he gave an assembly at CMW for The Kite Runner that was really very touching. So many students were glad to see him back then and many will be crushed now that he’s gone. He’s going to be missed, he was a great person. RIP
ReplyDeleteMr. Norman was the best teacher I ever had. He made US history a lot of fun! I looked foward to going to his class everyday. People always used to ask him why he was a teacher and he always said “it wasent for the money, I love my job” He served our country, and was a really good teacher and everyone in our class really liked him. He dosent deserve what happened.
ReplyDeleteNorman was THE best teacher I ever had. God rest his soul. He helped all the people he could and was an amazing positive influence on many peoples lives
ReplyDeleteI’ve known Brian for as long as I can remember (and based on pictures apparently before I could remember anything). I grew up with him and he was always an honest, good-hearted person. He was the type of person that would do anything to help a friend. He was a good person and one of the most selfless people I have ever met (the other happens to be his brother). I cannot express the grief felt by this lose. All friends and family, please know my thoughts are with you. So much more to say, but I’ll save the heart-wrenching stuff for a one-on-one conversation with his brother.
ReplyDeleteI served in Afghanistan with Brian. We called him Jimmy Neutron and it was for a good reason. If we lacked in something , he worked with us until we got it. He received a BRONZE STAR for his actions. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge! He was a hero and it is a shame that that SORRY SCHOOL is not doing ANYTHING for him! REST IN PEACE VIPER 44! WE LUV U AND WILL MISS U! We won’t let your memory be tarnished! I PROMISE!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEasy Rider 26
I aided for Mr.Norman last year, for half of the year.
ReplyDeletehe was one of the best teachers ive ever met.
he truly cared about his students.
i find it very hard to believe that he did anything to those girls beyond just being a mentor.
i was in a room, with no windows, with him for an hour and a half every other day
and he never once did anything even remotely unprofessional.
he was one of the people who motivated me to even consider going to college,
and i am very grateful to have had him in my life.
he will truly and sincerely be missed.
<3
Mr. Norman was my history teacher this year. I looked at him as not only a teacher, but a friend. He was like no other teacher. He told us things that no one else told us like, every teacher in school has been telling us all of our life that college is the key to success. Mr. Norman told us the opposite. He explained to us about all the successful people in the world who didn’t go to college. He gave us his own incite on everything and made class fun. He taught us in a fun way and made sure that we knew what we were doing. The first day Mr.Norman was taken out of school, we had a substitute and nobody would tell us where Mr.Norman was or when he was coming back, and to be honest, my class flipped out. We wanted no other teacher except Norman, and even today we give our sub teacher a hard time. No one can teach at the standards that Mr.Norman did. Today, when we came into class, there were guidance counselors standing around talking to us about his death, and I know that me and my classmates were deeply upset and we would like to know about any information on his viewing or memorial service. Also, we would like to send cards and letter to his family and friends. You will be missed, R.I.P Norman<3
ReplyDeletemr. norman was a great teacher i meet him in 7th grade when i had him for social studies at magnolia middle school. he always made sure i was doing well in school. we always were talking about cars and what his car ran at the track each week. he was a great person, solider, and teacher RIP mr . norman
ReplyDeleteHello everyone! i was a student of Mr.Normans in 7th grade….I am Now 18 years old and graduated so i knew Mr. Norman for a long time……He’s I never new him for anything else but caring, loving , smart and funny……And when it came to the books he def didn’t play around!!! I can remeber like it was yesterday gettin my new schedule for school prayin that i didnt get Mr. Noman i heard he was jus the meanest teacher!!! But of corse my luck i got em and wen i walked in his room i felt like i enter military school….lol but after a while he turned out to be one of the best teachers i ever had!!!! He made learning easy and fun…..And best of all he always got me out of trouble I was so shock and devasted to hear about the loss….I thought mr. norman was a tank and never could be stopped….but everyone has their time….When God calls on us its time to go….”He kept at true good humour’s mark
ReplyDeleteThe social flow of pleasure’s tide:He never made a brow look dark,Nor caused a tear, but when he died.”~Thomas Love Peacock My sympathy goes out to his family…He was a good man….An to his father…i jus wanted to let you kno that he talked about you alot….I’ll never forget when he told me that if it wasn’t for you he wouldn’t be the man he was today.. I heard sum crazy stories about the time he skipped school and you caught him…lol that was great…..
I got to know Brian Norman very well. We served in Afghanistan together. He and I slept only a few feet apart for a couple of months literally in the middle of nowhere. Brian could outwork anyone. He was a genius.
ReplyDeleteOther people called him Jimmy Neutron but I always described him as Hammy - the hyper squirrel in the movie “Over the Hedge”. He only had two speeds - off (when sleeping) and supersonic.
I am saddened to hear he is not among us anymore. He was a good friend.
i am a student at North Harford but i was not a student of Mr.Normans but i did no him.
ReplyDeletehe was such a cool teacher. if a teacher would see you in the halls with your phone out or ipod they would take it from you and send it to the office, but if Norman saw you he would take it, turn it off, and hand it back to you.
mr norman was my favorite teacher ever. he did everything he could to make sure we were all successful and he could always make everyone laugh. RIP, wish he could still be here
ReplyDeletemr norman was my history teacher at magnolia middle. he was an amazing teacher! he was tons of fun.. always had us laughing. he didnt take crap off of anyone and kept the punks in check! i’ll never forget when he hid in the closet to see who would come in the class and talk crap and act up. when he popped out he scared us all but laughed it off. he kept all of us interested in his class and had snowball fights with us like a big kid! i will miss him a lot and am so sad he is gone <33
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure to serve with SSG Norman and have him under my charge. He was an excellent soldier that executed everything to an almost anal degree. Watching him all you could do was shake your head and laugh, just wondering where the heck he got all of his excitement and energy. He loved what he did in the military and he loved to teach. I can’t tally the total hours he spent telling student and school stories to his fellow soldiers. He truly loved you guys. I’ll pray for his soul and may he rest In peace.
ReplyDeleteMr.Norman was my 9th grade american government teacher. I really miss him and shock of what happened to him. He was a really nice teacher and would never hurt anybody. I know how his family and friends feel because I miss him alot and feel really upset. I really miss him. R.I.P. BRIAN NORMAN
ReplyDeleteNEVER WILL BE FORGET
Brian was truly a great American hero!
ReplyDeleteI served with him in Afghanistan, He was a real helper with the gun trucks.Brian would never stop at a problem until He could come up with a fix and find out a way for the problem not to happen again. He was was fearless on the battlefield and during his down ( He had very little downtime) He would talk about school. I admired his talents and strengths and his never ending desire to help others.
Brian we will see you on the other side!
I was not a student of Mr. Norman, but my friend Carolyn was his friend’s student aide, and when i was with her, we always went to talk to Mr. Norman. He was the kind of person that I felt I could go to and just talk about anything. You see my mom died seven months ago and, honestly, me and him weould talk in the hallways or during his planning period just about how to cope and how that she never left me. He made me realize that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. I will admit i was terriffed of him at first but then once I finally started talking to him he just had this warm and comforting vibe that came off of him. I thank him for serving our country, that means so much to me. I know that all the accusations are false, I always have believed that he would never do something like that. I will miss hearing his loud rough voice from down the hallway, and his heartfilled laughter. I loved his jokes no matter how corny they were. MR. NORMAN I WILL FOREVER MISS YOU!!! He was my friend, and mentor and i don’t think that i will ever be able to find someone that was like him ever again. he was a one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteI had Norman for American Government my freshman year. When he first walked in the room he kinda scared me and I never thought that he would become my favorite teacher but he did. Any fellow ‘09 Mustangs will remember the trebuchet that he built. We all spent a whole class watching him launch stuff like mellons, water jugs, bags of flour, and a printer (not very aerodynamic). I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that I cried so much when he got deployed that I couldn’t even say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteSSG Norman and I served in Afghanistan together. For several months we lived in a hostile valley in the mountains north of Gardez. Not a day went by that we didn’t go out on some kind of dangerous mission. His unwavering courage and valor under enemy fire make me proud to say I fought by his side. SSG Brian Norman is a hero and he will be missed. Rest in peace Brian.
ReplyDeleteI served with Brian for years. I remember when he joined our unit, I told my NCOs not to give him any coffee, he had enough adrenaline for all of us…..he often told us about his students , about how much they meant to him….he put his life on the line for his country on more than one occasion…..I only know what I saw with my own eyes…Brian, God Bless you, Rest in Peace.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to listen to the presentation from “Stormin Norman” about his time in the Middle East.He made us all remember how lucky we are to live here and made us
ReplyDeleterealize that goodness can be found in everything if you just look hard enough. He was respected by all of his students and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Norman was one of the best teachers I had while at CMW. He came along about half way through my sophomore year as a world history teacher. He really changed the way I felt about history. He made it fun and interesting to learn- I actually wanted to go to his class. His compassion for his students was admirable, and so was his discipline. He didn’t let kids fool around, but he still let us have fun and that is a tricky thing for a high school teacher to do. He was always respectable towards his students and made us feel like we were more than just a bunch of kids. I thought he was nuts when he built the catapult and threw stuff across the fields on his last day before he left for Afghanistan. But thats just how he was- funny, unpredictable, and very unique. And that is how most of his students will remember him. I graduated in the spring of 2007 and Mr. Norman had been on his tour in the Middle East, but he made it to our graduation. He made sure he did. Now that was amazing. It felt like he was proud of us, and we were proud of him. I hope he is at peace now and maybe this mess can get cleared up. My prayers go out to his family and I hope they can have some peace this holiday. Thank you Mr. Norman!! RIP
ReplyDeleteThere are so many good memories I shared with Norman. From drag racing that Benz to repelling, hanging out on the weekends, building up his Vega, and watching the fights on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteThe world has lost one of it's greatest human beings ever. This man was not only dedicated to his country, but he was dedicated to teaching young people. I never had him for class but I learned more from him by starting up car club at CMW and hanging out with him, than any person. While serving overseas he has risked his life and put it all on the line day in and day out for many months that eventually turned into years.
Judgment shall be passed on those who accuse others on false accusations.
Norman
RIP
You are missed by all. The world will never be the same again.
Stormin' Normin was a one of a kind. A whirlwind that came into your life - and left you changed. I do believe he could have been to solution to our country's future energy needs... From the Bunkers and the swimming hole, to standing Hummer's on their ends, to the mini-bike racess in the barracks. You will definately be missed - Semper Fi
ReplyDeleteI first met Brian at the registrar's office my freshman year. In line, he asked me why I was so upset. I explained I was homesick. He asked where I was from. Without hesitation, he offered to take me home. He didn't know me and I didn't know him. His act of kindness sparked a friendship that has spanned 15 years. He would drive people to the mall, home, ANYWHERE they needed to go. And that was 15 years ago. He was just a GENEROUS, humbled person.
ReplyDeleteHe tried to teach me how to drive a stick shift in his old Eagle. He was very patient.
A few years ago Brian returned to Western PA for the holidays and stopped in just to tell my family hello. That was the person Brian Norman was.
I am extremely proud to call him my friend. I was introduced to the Norman family on several occasions and I applaud them for the man they raised. He was and will always be a hero to me. My daughter will hear about him through stories of my crazy college life and the great friend I made in him. I can only hope that she finds a friend as true as Brian.
It saddens me that time and distance limited our contact in recent years. I heard stories about his love for teaching when he came to visit that holiday season. That was truly a gift he was blessed with...making others learn through laughter. I will miss him very, very much. He is probably in heaven making my father roar with laughter as only Brian knew how. Good night my friend, til we meet again.
Andy, I am a relative of Brian's. I saw your response on the "other" site and I wanted to talk to you. Is that possible?
ReplyDeleteTo Brian's relative on the last post...I can't reply to the e mails that come to me for posting on this site because they go through this site first. E mail me at alevy11@gmail.com and we can talk...thanks.
ReplyDeleteBrian's memorial service will be held on Jan 10th at 11am at the Bel Air Armory on 37 N. Main St in Bel Air. THere will be light refreshments. There will also be a preorder form for Brian's memorial t-shirts. The shirts will sell for $15 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Brian Norman memorial fund for research and treatment of PTSD. There will be a few shirts there to see before you place your order.
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say is that mr. norman was the best teacher and I looked up to him every class. He tought me so much in the short amount of time that I had him this year. He was so cool and funny, better than any teacher I have ever had. He cared about everyone, cared about our grades, and would do anything for everyone. There is no other teacher like him. I always used to tell people from the first week of school that he was the best. You could talk to him about anything, and maybe he should of been a comedian because he was the funniest person and could always make me and my class laugh all of the time. His war stories were so nice and cool, and it was nice when he brought in all of his war gear and army food and medication just to show us. I will always remember him as the best person that I know and if you knew him you were really lucky b/c he was 1 of a kind teacher and friend. I would of helped him do anything just like he helped me and other kids in my class. RIP NORMAN A.K.A NORMANATER (thats what we wrote on his chalkboard and always used to call him) Now that I think about it I was so lucky to get him as a teacher and I was lucky to get to know him as a friend and see that huge smile and energy he had every class. No one will understand how much I looked up to him as a huge influence and role model in my life.
ReplyDeleteTo the person who posted about shirts in memory of Brian, I am not from MD. I am one of Brian's friends from college. I live in eastern PA and would love to get a shirt or two for other members of my family who also had the pleasure of being a part of Brian's life. Could you please post how to order them? I will pay any amount of shipping.
ReplyDeleteIf you would like to order a shirt and are unable to make it to the memorial service you can email me at jbender16@aol.com or mail me a note with your desired size and quantity. Enclose $15 for each shirt. THe order will be placed on Jan 12th. Email me for the address and image of the shirt.
ReplyDeleteI had the privellege of knowing this great man, i was a 7th student at magnolia middle school in his social studies class. ive learned more things from this man than any other teacher before and after him. he was a srgt. in the military, he was very disciplined and well spoken. he’s teaching methods were very unformal which is what made him such a great teacher. he was friends with almost all of his students. one time he even made a bet with me, if i could make honor roll, then he would buy me a Playstation 2. i made honor roll and i showed him. later that day he stopped by my house and brought it over, he said he just stopped at the pawn shop and picked it up, he gave me a couple of his favorite old games. when he left to go back to Iraq he would write me letters and call the house phone sometimes to see how i was doing. he said he would come to my high school and teach there (Joppatowne High School). i was dissapointed when he couldn’t teach there. whether he did it or not, he was a great man and teacher. he deserved our respect and sadly not everyone showed it to him. i hope you all remember him well.
ReplyDeletei know i will.
The other day I was thinking about Brian. I thought he would probably be helping some poor guy whose car was broken down on the side of the road. Or, maybe just listening to a student that nobody ever took the time to listen to. Maybe he would be promoting some event with his unending entheausiam that was evident no matter what he did. Maybe he would be telling his army buddies and old friends some of his amazing student stories. Maybe he would be telling his students some of his amazing army stories. All I know is that whatever he would have been doing he would have made someone's day better. He would have reminded them to try to be a better person by his actions. Brian you were so loved, admired, appreciated, and needed. Your life impacted so many in so many good, wonderful ways. You will be truly missed. You will always be remembered fondly. Rest in peace Brian... And, know you were soooooo loved by sooo many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Brian for soooo much!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI did not have Mr. Norman as a teacher but I got to know him this year, just as a person by seeing him in the hallway and saying hi because he was the new teacher. I will deeply miss him and the races down the hallway, which he always won.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P. Mr. Brian Norman, amazing teacher, person and soilder for his country.
YOU WILL BE MISSED
Last night as I was driving to work 9 I live in Englewood, Florida now), I was talking to my mother who lives in Irwin, PA. She said honey I have bad news to tell you. She goes on to tell me my dear friend Brian has passed away. We lost touch after he went to Pitt university - but before he attended Pitt I spent more time with him than anybody else.
ReplyDeleteThe guy I will always remember will be the one who could make me laugh all the time, he was always there for me, there wasn’t anything he would not have done for a friend.
This is soooo sad - the student that made these terrible lies should look in the mirror and ask herself if all this was really worth it- you misunderstood him and turned his whole life upset down - being a teacher is a hard profession to be in these days - you can’t do enough and you can’t do too much. I hand it to him a teacher and a soldier - what a rare one of a kind.
I will miss you Brian-I looked for you all over the internet but never had any luck finding you. I cried tonight at work after my mom told me.
This whole thing makes me totally sick to my stomach-this should never have been like this for you.
I can’t even imagine how your family is. My prayers go out to Lee his brother and his family. Gee whiz, I can’t believe it.
Thanks for this blog-people have NO idea how great he was if you can say terrible things.
This whole thing seems unreal. He in a place now where no one can hurt him now. He laughing it up with Teddy from Teddy Resturant.
You were thought about often - I am just sorry it is too late to meet up again.
Suzanne Boyle
suzannemassage@yahoo.com
I was saddened to hear of Brian's untimely death. I was priveledged to know the kindness and passion for life that was Brian. He was a good and decent man that was a blessing in many people's lives. His high expectations for his students and his passion for teaching and making this world a better place were his reason for being. As someone who works with students of all ages, I can understand his enjoyment in being in their company. They have not yet been jaded by life and they have not learned many of life's lessons so in that way they are innocent. Their take on life can be refreshing. Brian was a rare exception, willing to take the risk of being misunderstood in his efforts to effect positive change in his students lives. His love for his students was obvious as well as their love for him. He walked thru this world trying to make it a better place in every situation he encountered. So many people loved him and I wish he had realized that those who knew him would have stood by him just as ardently as he stood by those he cared about...students and adults alike. I knew you only as a kind, compassionate, and caring teacher who my daughter thought the world of. It was your first year of teaching and you stood by her during a very difficult time in her life. It meant the world to both of us. You will be missed Brian. Rest in God's presence.
ReplyDeleteIt was with great sadness that I learned of Brian’s death. My child was in the first class that Brian taught and throughout that year I was privileged to experience the kindness and passion for fairness that was Brian. While he may have been “stern” in his expectations for his students, this only helped his pupils try and achieve what he knew they were capable of. He was a gifted teacher with a passion for what he did. His energy and unique approach to teaching was a welcome and refreshing change from the norm. Yes, Brian could be quite unconventional in his ways but that is part of what made him such a successful teacher. And it is a rare thing to find a teacher who cares so much for his students, that he dared to go against the norm and take a risk because he knew that it would benefit his students. He went far beyond what could have been expected of a teacher, achieving extraordinary results in his students lives. One gleaming example of this was in his first year of teaching. My child was having a difficult time emotionally, and thru little fault of her own, was suspended from school. He found her crying in the hall and when he heard her story he accompanied her to the office and was her advocate at a time she desperately needed one. He came to my house and fervently offered to go before the board and be a character witness for her. And during the time she was suspended, he met with her and another student at the public library so they could keep up with their studies until they returned. Brian was a good and decent man who was passionate about making the world a better place. No one of us is perfect and we have all made errors in judgement. Some people may find it unacceptable to involve themselves in minor children’s lives because they are too concerned about society misinterpreting their actions. Brian was happy and willing to take that risk. And there are some of us who don’t find that strange. As someone who works around students of all ages, I also find enjoyment interacting with them. They are not yet jaded by life and have yet to learn many of life’s lessons, so in that way they are “innocent”. Their candor is refreshing. For many children today, there are no adults in their lives who full fill the roles that they should. That leaves a terribly large gap in a child’s life that can be either filled with positive or negative influences. Brian realized this and didn’t just “talk the talk” but “walked the walk”. He dared to make a difference for the better and many people thru out his life reaped the benefits. Brian…you will be terribly missed by many. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI just learned about Brian's death and am deeply shocked and saddened. Brian and I shared an office my first year at CMW. I counted him as one of my friends. I knew he was a good teacher, I saw the hours of prep work and heard the praises of his students. Any teacher who can make government fun is a good teacher. I know, I'm a history teacher and I hate government!
ReplyDeleteI also very much appreciated his dedication. It was common to see him cruising the halls to hold the students responsible to the dress code, he had a box for hats. He also stalked through the woods to catch smokers! Great stuff! His enthusiasm made me smile on a daily basis.
I pray for the Norman family, this loss has to be devasting. I know I feel bad, and 49 other people who wrote on this blog feel bad. It is such a sad thing... Is there something his friends and his students can learn from this?
There will be a short memorial service at North Harford High School Friday at 7:15 am in the school gym. This will include the video from the Harford County Memorial Service. Come support MR. NORMAN!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for the terrible news of brians passing on. The tears wouldn't stop as i just learned of the news. My heart is hurting because you never think of losing the bravest & courageous ones on this earth. Maybe i'm sounding stupid right now, please forgive me. I always thought of Brian as a very creative, thoughtful & heroic man. He will be sadly missed & i will keep a lot of the memories close to my heart. My prayers are with Ms. Norman & Mr. Norman & Lee. Lee, i'm so sorry, from the bottom of my heart. Brian loved, cared & would of done anything for the ones that he loved & whom were close to him. I'm forever saddened by the loss of a remarkable man. R.I.P Brian & You'll be missed.
ReplyDeleteI am a student at NH, the school Mr.Norman last taught at and I only talked to him a few times. I'm not going to lie either, he was a little intimitating but still nice, never mean. I knew he served in Iraq and everything but reading this blog really showed me what he was truly like. After reading all this stuff, its hard to believe he was actually guilty of the charge that was filed against him. I have sympathy for his family and wish them the best, I can only imagine what I would feel like if this ever happened to me. RIP Mr.Norman.
ReplyDeleteMr.Norman was my FAVORITE teacher in the whole entire world. I idolized him and everything he ever did! He was an AMAZING teacher! He's the reason I pushed myself to graduate. I loved him as if he were my older brother. He always came over to talk to my dad. My dad kinda took him into the family as a son. He was so loving and I could talk to him about everything and anything! He would never do anything to hurt anyone. I know this... YES he was UNIQUE lol but he would never try to get himself or anyone else in trouble. REST IN PEACE!!!! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED. AND I MEAN ALWAYS.
ReplyDeleteWe just found out today 3 months after the fact about this tragedy. YES, i say tragedy because this was a teacher who actually cared about his students! He didn't just come to school and go home and forget about them. Mr. Norman was my son's history teacher in middle school back in 2002. My son at the time was having difficulties in school. I had such a hard time getting him to do his work, remembering to bring home homework, Etc. He has ADD, so school was always a chore for him. Mr. Norman took a special interest in my son. I expressed to him my concerns about how my son was acting at the time and how school seemed so unimportant to him. Mr. Norman came to our home picked up my son and took him to the military base for some life experiences. He showed him how hard life would be for him if he didn't change his attitude and start caring about himself and his education. My son had his head shaved this day on base. I told Mr. Norman to do whatever it takes to get through to him. My son came home that day, mad and I believe a changed person. He paid attention more in school. Mr. Norman turned out to be his favorite teacher. i was very grateful to Mr. Norman for opening my son's eyes to things, I just couldn't. He only saw me as the lecturing mother, but he really paid attention to the things Mr. Norman said to him. My son went on to graduate from high school in 2008, a very big accomplishment for him, someone who struggled through school with ADD and he did it he walked across that stage!! He called Mr. Norman and invited him to his graduation, and party. Unfortunately he was away on a training mission for the military, but he did talk to my son and told him he always knew he would graduate. I wanted to tell this story to show what kind of man Mr. Norman was. He cared about his students, these may not have been by the book teaching skills, but he knew what would work. He would meet with kids outside of school, he would go to their home, if he thought that it would help in any way. He was very excited about history and he tried to get his students equally as excited. I will always be grateful to the man who helped turn my son's head around to look towards his future, instead of going down the road of god knows where. My son was brought to tears today when he heard about this TRAGEDY, he just said WHY? He was such a good person. I had no answers for him. I myself can't understand this. R.I.P. Mr. Norman, you made a difference to many, THANK YOU!!! A Grateful MOM !!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any way to get in touch with Brian's family. Please share this info from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) with Brian's family. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDate: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:22:59 -0400
From: mail@iava.org
To: mjgerity@hotmail.com
Subject: Starting the Conversation
Dear Mary Jane,
"It was hard to hide my fears and remain positive about the situation 24/7. I felt like I had to be tough for his benefit and for my own."
Like military families across the country, Don and Lisa Gomez of Bellerose, New York watched as their son, Don, deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005. Along with his fiancée, Jessica, they were overjoyed to welcome him home. Relieved that he returned safely, they thought the hard part was over. But the first few months after Don came back weren't easy. Don's father said when his son returned, "He seemed harder. He had been overseas and he made it back. He didn't really want to talk about it."
Do you know any families like the Gomezes who've had a loved one deploy? If you do, we need your help making sure they're the first to know about an historic new campaign we're launching on April 30th for friends and families of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Click here to send them a quick note. Since you're already an IAVA Supporter, we'll let you know as soon as the campaign launches. But we need your help to make sure it reaches even more people.
Many of us know that 1.7 million men and women have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, but less attention is paid to the sacrifices made by the parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children and friends they leave behind. Last November, we launched a successful campaign with the Ad Council aimed at easing the transition home for returning veterans- you may have seen those ads start to show up around the country. Now, we're building on that campaign's success and creating a new public service announcement campaign for friends and families of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, like the Gomez family.
The national campaign will feature television, radio and online ads, directing people to an interactive and informative website that offers mental health resources, information on navigating the VA, and a discussion forum where visitors can connect with others going through similar experiences. The goal is to help those close to veterans start a conversation about their experiences overseas- often the most difficult part of coming home.
This ground-breaking campaign will launch on April 30th, just a few weeks away. Can you help us get the word out?
Click here to let your friends or loved ones with a veteran in their life know about this new campaign, and we'll make sure they hear about the launch before anyone else.
With the surge of new veterans expected to return from Iraq over the next few years, this campaign is going to be an important part in welcoming them home. We're looking forward to the launch on April 30th, and can't wait to share more of it with you.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us.
Sincerely,
Paul
Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director & Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)