Memorial Service
The US flag is hoisted briskly to the top and then lowered slowly to half staff. Our flag is not alone and surrounded by other coalition flags. In front of the flags a wooden pedestal provides placement for 4 rifles. Bayonets are affixed to the rifles and then turned upside down and inserted into a slot. Each rifle serves as a stand to mount a soldier’s helmet and a set of identification tags is hung from the pistol grip. In front of each rifle a pair of combat boots is solemnly positioned. On an adjacent stand are four framed pictures of uniformed soldiers. Off in the distance, a bag pipe sounds out ‘Amazing Grace’. This and the following is what I observed today at a memorial service for a sister Embedded Training Team (ETT) and another camp member.
As each soldier’s biography is read, several soldiers try hard to maintain their bearing by holding a stiff upper lip, while others shed a tear for their friend, their comrade, their teammate. The memorial service I observed was conducted with the utmost respect, professionalism, and dignity. A roll call is announced and each soldier’s name is called aloud 3 times. It’s eerily quiet and there is no response. These fallen warriors have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for the future of Afghanistan. They leave behind wives, children, family members and friends who mourn their loss.
The formation is commanded to attention and the Honor Guard fires off a volley of shots. The sound of ‘Taps’ resonates in the air. We stand proud and provide one last salute in memory of these heroes and for the many who have gone before them. Freedom is not free! May God bless their souls and may they rest in peace.
Note: This memorial service was held for MAJ Kevin M. Jenrette, SSG John C. Beale, SPC Jeffrey W. Jordan and another camp member. Out of respect for the family and DOD guidelines I can not release the 4th member’s name until it is released through official channels.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghanistan, Deployment, ETT, Maj. Kevin M. Jenrette, news, pictures, SPC Jeffrey W. Jordan, SSG John C. Beale, U.S. Air Force, war
Hi Rex,
Liisa told me about your blog, and the St. Pete Times would like to feature a story about you. Please get a hold of me at imorales@sptimes.com or 813-226-3403. We can also talk through Skype – it’s free.
Thanks,
Ileana Morales
Thank you for this moving report.
God Bless the fallen Soldiers and their families.
Thank you Rex so much for keeping up this blog, even when you have to write about horrible or sad things. It is sobering and healthy to be reminded of your and your fellow soldiers’ important and dangerous work. May you all be as successfull as humanly possible in protecting the children of Afganistan from the Taliban. We will gather school material for Afgan children when Vivi’s and Sara’s school resumes in mid-August.
You are in our thoughts every day. Our respects to the near and dear of the fallen.
Your loving sister-in-law
God please keep these brave soldiers and their families in your hands.
Hey Rex – thanks for posting this. I knew John Beale. He was a dedicated soldier who rejoined back in 05 after having gotten out of the service after having served in Desert Storm years ago. He was a college classmate of mine and he always had a warm greeting and a smile. As a veteran, I’ve always had a bond to the “fallen”. I’ve ridden in honor of many fallen heroes over the last few years as a member of the Patriot Guard. I hoped that I’d never get news like I got today – that someone I knew had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Thomas Paine said, “If none were soldiers, all would be slaves.” – I salute John Beale and his fallen comrades as well as all those who wear the uniform in service to our nation. Your sacrifices, both small AND ultimate, are not forgotten.
Thank you John! Rest easy soldier – you’ve done your duty.
Chris
Dear Rex,
I finally got caught up on all your writing. You should be a writer as you do such a good job. We sure appreciate all you guys do to keep us safe.
We spent Saturday over at Chelley’s in Ohio for grandson Ryan’s high school graduation. There were over 800 kids graduated form his class. So it was a long cermony. He will be going to Kent State this fall, taking up financing. Sunday was a big party with over 100 people. I made macaroni salad for the group and cookies. We didn’t get home till midnight last night.
Sunny here today and we mowed the yard. Tomorrow is golf day.
So stay safe and our prayers are with you. Love Aunt Carole
With great sorrow for our loss, which leads the ache in my heart already chambered with pride, gratitude and admiration for Our Troops, I stand still at my desk, I share the words of my silent prayer:
God, please bless with Your most abundant love, strength and grace these the souls of your finest sons and send them out on their fresh wings to overwatch their brothers still fighting.
And please always hear the prayers of Our Soldiers before you hear mine.
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 06/09/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
These fallen HEROES (the three that were named above) were from my home state here in Georgia. Our hearts are broken over their loss. Please know we love y’all and are praying for you, every step of the way. We will never, ever forget them or their sacrifice.
((hugs)) and deepest respect from us to you.
Sincerely,
“Mama Kat” & Family
Rex,
Sorry to hear about your fellow soldiers. I’m sure it’s hard, but thank you and all of the other soldiers for fighting for our freedom.
I’ve been busy doing more home remodeling projects. Next week I hope to tile the dining room and repair a section of the fence that Mercedes was having a tug-a-war on! lol I’ve done outside painting, so it’s really starting to look nice. My new yard is growing nicely. Poor Mercedes is still not aloud out there until the grass gets good rooting.
Adam is still enjoying working at Hooters. He really enjoys those bigger paychecks. He starts back to summer school at the end of the month. He’s taking chemistry and stats. He has a new girlfriend. I got to meet her today. She seems really nice! Her name is Kaitlyn.
Aimee is busy going to summer school for government and economics. She’s learning how to balance her time as well, because she has work (40 hrs/week) and volleyball. In August, she will get her senior pictures taken. It’s hard to believe that my babies are all grown up!
As for Tiger, he brought me presents this past Saturday. He killed 2 chipmunks! Now if I can just get him to take on the rabbit, I’ll be happy. The rabbit is feasting on my flowers and I’m not real happy about it. This could pose a challenge for him, due to the fact the rabbit is bigger than he is. We also have a mouse in the house again. Neither of the cats will catch it. Aimee witnessed them batting it around and playing with it.
I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing the different pictures. Keep up the good work. BE SAFE! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND EVERYONE OVER THERE!!!
Love ya!
Sis