Duke in Iraq - May 16

Thoughts from the Cradle, May 16, 2005

May 16, 2005

I was a part of a Patriot Detail the other day. That is when service members send off a fallen comrade. Today it was for an army specialist who died during recent operations.

I will include a wonderful description of the Patriot Detail that has previously been written. What I wanted to share were the thoughts that were going through my mind as we gathered for this solemn event.

As we fell into formation, soldiers from the specialist’s unit came to lead the formation. Just seeing them brought tears to my eyes. I could not imagine how hard it must be to say good-bye to a friend in this way. The Chaplain’s vehicle drove past our formation. Next, I caught site of the Humvee carrying the Flag draped casket. The US flag is so beautiful, covering a casket it takes on a sobering and sacred hue. We were called to attention and then ordered to march as we lead the procession to the plane that would carry this fallen hero home. Eight army soldiers were on point. We came to the plane, stopped and then faced in. We were called to present arms, a very slow salute to be held until the hero was on the plane. The casket was carried by four friends from his unit. The casket was loaded on the plane and we slowly lowered our salute. The formation then entered the aircraft to hear the final words from the chaplain. You could hear sniffles, the audible evidence of tears. My thoughts went to his family. They were waiting for their loved one to come home ever since they had received that visit from the official vehicle that no family wants to see in their driveway when a loved one is deployed. This reunion was not going to be the one they had dreamed about and longed for. No this is the one they had hoped and prayed would never happen. The family was hours away from receiving their loved one, under a flag.

My thoughts then went to my own family. What would it be like for them if I returned under a flag. What would it be like for my son, my wife, and my mom to wait at an airport for me to come off a plane. To come off not waving with smiles running for the touch of my most loved; but, rather carried off in a solemn processional. The emotions are very difficult to suppress. I cry even as I type this. It was harder when the casket was before me.

What a burden that this family is now carrying. My thoughts go to the comforting words of Jesus. “Come to me all those who are heavy laden.” I hope that this family will find the peace that only Christ can give.

More thoughts to come

Patriot Detail

Iraq -- Somewhere in America a family member is waiting for their relative to return home. He is returning early, having served his profession with pride and excellence.

We won’t be there to honor his arrival, but we were there when more than 100 of his fellow professionals saw him off with respect and dignity. His title, and the title of thousands of his like-minded brothers and sisters, is specialist. For their profession is to defend the United States of America.

The Soldiers of his unit and the Airmen of our 332nd Expeditionary Wing stood at attention, in a cordon of desert camouflage uniforms, as six of his unit’s young men stood ready to carry their brother to his place on the start of his journey home. Just before they begin their solemn march, we are ordered to present arms, and for three seconds our right arms were slowly raised to touch the corner of our eyes. As the detail passed we held our salute, honoring our comrade in arms and the Stars and Stripes as they pass by. We held our salute until he was secured in his place of honor, then after the first sergeant’s command, we slowly brought our arms to our side.

Still at attention, with eyes strait ahead, I could observe several faces with trails of tears, men and women alike, young and old. For we have lost one of our own. One who put service before self.

Next the Army chaplain marched between our columns to join his troop on the plane. Only then were we released from formation, but told we may march onto the plane for the Chaplain’s comments. No one walked away. Every member of the formation joined together, side by side, until there was no room to stand inside the plane. But the others stood respectfully just outside the plane’s rear entrance, as the chaplain recited the 23rd Psalm before he said a prayer for our departing brother and his family.

Slowly we left the plane so the specialist could begin the journey home. As I looked back into the cargo bay, I saw something I will never forget. Members of his unit saluted the flag on their own; some touched it respectfully. One soldier leaned over and put his forehead briefly next to the stars, as if putting his forehead on his brother’s forehead.
As our Air Force members slowly left the area, the Army again fell into formation. They stood at attention as the plane rolled away.

Yes, somewhere someone is waiting for their loved one’s final journey home. We wish he hadn’t left early. We gave him a final salute with heartfelt pride and professional excellence. His sacrifice to duty, honor, and country demanded we offer no less. We are the profession of arms. All of us made a commitment to serve. Most of us made some sacrifice while in service. Some made the ultimate sacrifice.

Posted by Tim at May 16, 2005 08:42 AM