Testimonials

Thanks again for the awesome Bible and God Bless you for what you do in support of the books for soldiers program. This means allot to my brothers and sisters at-arms but especially to me. I sincerely got a lump in my throat when I received your package and felt like a child at Christmas opening the package with vigor and extremely appreciative of its contents which were much more than what I was expecting.

The other day, I had the distinct honor to be part of a Fallen Warrior Ceremony. These happen often, as our fallen pass through here on their way to the Air Force Mortuary at Dover AFB for processing. Today we paid honor to two fallen warriors boarding an Ohio Air National Guard KC-135.

I’ve been meaning to attend as much as possible, but my duties preclude me from the flexibility to attend as much as I’d like. This was my first time. I’ve provided Military Funeral Honors for more than 200 funerals in six states and Korea (Half of those were in Tennessee). Almost half of my decorations (Medals) are for service to the Base Honor Guard program and I’ve served as a Ceremonial Guardsman at three out of six bases I’ve been stationed.

At first I was worried. A coworker and I arrived at the rally point outside PERSCO, and there were only two others waiting to be shuttled to the Flight Line. At the time, we didn’t know how many fallen nor if they were being on or off-loaded. We drove to the Flight Line, and I was relieved to find others were standing by, too. Firefighters, Flight Line Personnel, Security Forces, and even the Senior Staff of Chief Master Sergeants, Colonels, and our Brigadier General were there.

We huddled around the two hearses, in view of the coffins with draped American Flags, and listened to the Chaplain’s Benediction. Not only did he read from the Good Book’s Psalm 23, but he included excerpts from “God Bless America” by Irving Berlin, second verse.

After we lamented with an Amen, we formed up on either side of the two hearses and saluted as the loaders/palm bearers loaded each coffin onto the loader. Then, after both were loaded, we saluted again as the loader was raised and the coffins were loaded onto the aircraft.

It was bitter sweet to see such a variety of my comrades-at-arms there as we gathered into a composite formation of officers, enlisted; Army and Air Force; everyone was all and all was one.

As I stood there at attention, rendering salutes and paying my respects, my tears stung my eyes and I was glad there was a nice breeze to cool and evaporate them under my glasses; I had the opportunity to reflect. I didn’t know these Fallen Warriors names, I was not in the presence of their loved ones as I was used to when performing funeral honors; so I became worried for them. Worried that this may be the only ceremony they may get. Worried that if they do have families back home, I prayed they were coping and bereaving.

I reflected on their journey to come. I thought of the movie “Taking Chance” with Kevin Bacon and Chance’s journey home. I prayed for them and their families. I wish I could follow and comfort both the bereaved and the innocent bystanders along the route.

I then became proud. The Chaplains benediction inspired me, made me proud to be there and to be an American. These two souls made the ultimate sacrifice for me and mine so we may continue to have life, liberty, and freedom. As the loader was rising to be level with the door of the aircraft, my silent prayers turned to silent thanks for these two and for everyone who came out to pay their respects.

I pray for a day soon that there is not a need for a Fallen Warrior Ceremony, but until then I will make it my priority to attend as many as I can. My Heroes deserve no less. And, every time I get the notification and I cannot make it, rest assured I will be saying my silent prayers for them and their families.

MSgt William S, USAF