Thank you to all who've donated to honor Farby and Kamilla in this way. Now, I ask you to help their family. I am turning off donations for this fundraiser and ask that all future funds go towards any funeral costs the family has incurred. You can donate to that fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ubm2vj-memorial-costs
This weekend America lost two more heroes who proudly wore the uniform of the US Army to the tragedy of suicide. Those heroes were Farby and his wife Kamilla, who took their lives hours apart from each other in their Virginia home. They were only in their 20s, and Farby was about to start the Fairfax County Police Academy in a few weeks.
I met Farby in college at Arizona State University, where we were in the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and were roommates for a semester. He was in the ROTC and he always dreamed of serving his country. He loved this country. The child of immigrants who lived in the USSR, Farby had an enormous respect for the opportunity the US gave his family and he wanted nothing more than to repay that through military service.
The last time we spoke was just before Christmas. I texted him to congratulate him on his marriage. He sent a bunch of photos of him and Kamilla looking happier than ever. It made me so happy to see my brother happy. While I never had the pleasure of knowing Kamilla, based on my friendship with Farby, I can only assume that she was an amazing woman who cared about her family and country as deeply as he did.
All money collected here will be used to make a donation to "Mission 22," a phenomenal charity organization combating veteran suicide, in their honor. I've set the initial goal at $1,818. Farby's Jewish heritage was very important to him, and "18" is a profound number in our culture. I hope this brings some good into the world as a result of this tragedy.
Lastly, to anyone out there feeling hopeless or helpless, please call a suicide or crisis helpline. Please know there are people who care for you and will support you. Please seek help.
Organizer
