Sandy Hook Shooting: Big Wally’s Brother has Ties to Newtown

The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, hit a little closer to home for me.  My brother, Rob and his wife Ellen live in Danbury, CT... That's one town over from Newtown,  on I-84.

I asked Rob if Ellen, who was a teacher, worked at Sandy Hook. Here's what he wrote me...

'No, Ellen worked in Sherman, CT. But one of her former students had a child, Olivia Engel that was a victim of the shooting. I have a client who is also a friend who is a big part of the PTA at Sandy Hook. Through her I was hired not long ago to cater a teachers appreciation luncheon for all of the administration and teachers, there. "

'They were so appreciative that day, just a lovely bunch of people, that's how we both have connections to the school. I was on my way to the VA for a doctors appointment the day of the shooting and drove right past the school 30 minutes prior to the shooting.'

'I can remember thinking what a lovely sunny morning it was and then on the way home an hour or so later is was a very dark & dreary day. Whenever you look at the photos of these kids and they're parents you cant help but to tear up!'

'I've never seen so many news reporters having such a hard time choking back tears while live reporting, it was just unthinkable! And then yesterday, some nut calls the church where everyone is grieving and says, ' my friend didn't finish the job, I'm going to come to the church and kill everyone!'   Can you imaging the sickness in the mind of this person or the shooter?'
(Rob is also a caterer, and owns All Smoked Up Barbecue)

'My butchers wife was in the main office during the attack and his son was in the library, both are ok but very shaken! This was close to home for us buddy!'

'Not sure how they could ever go back in that school?? Seems like it should be leveled and become a park memorial.'

'I personally think every school should have an ex military special forces armed security guard on staff dressed casual like an Air Marshall. Whats this world coming to brother?

Wasn't like this when we were kids!'