Brendan grew up in Owings, Maryland, with his five siblings. He graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in 1999, where he excelled as a scholar-athlete in football, baseball, and track. Named team MVP, he helped lead the football team to national recognition and earned the respect of peers and coaches alike for his strong character and tireless work ethic. Although colorblindness initially delayed his admission to the United States Naval Academy, he persevered—first attending the Naval Academy Prep School before earning his place in Annapolis. There, he picked up lacrosse for the first time and quickly became a leader, helping guide the team to the NCAA Finals, where he played alongside his two brothers.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 2004, he was commissioned as an intelligence officer and assigned to Commander Naval Forces Korea, Detachment Chinhae. Still determined to become a Navy SEAL, he later passed a vision test and was accepted into Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. He graduated as Honor Man of his class—the highest distinction awarded—and went on to serve with SEAL Team 3. Brendan deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, always embodying the values of service, resilience, and teamwork. On September 21, 2010, during his 59th mission, Brendan was killed in a helicopter crash in Ayatalah Village, Afghanistan.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Amy; his extended family; friends; and teammates who continue to honor his memory.