Well it has been raining like Niagara Falls today here in Delaware. Good thing I was issued new raingear and had the opportunity to waterproof my boots and hat! I think we received a little over 2 inches of rain between this morning and late in the day. I am scheduled to do a Dignified Transfer tomorrow at 4:00AM, and it is forecast to rain yet again. So, I'll be standing on the flightline, at attention, and holding an umbrella over the family members to keep them as dry as possible, while they witness the transfer of their son.
On Sunday night, I was called in at 10:00pm to pick up an escort that flew in with a fallen warrier. He was accompanying his friend home from Afghanistan after they had only been there for about a week. This soldier was not long in the service to begin with, but he was no doubt seasoned by combat and prior deployments. After I met him on the aircraft, I led him to a waiting vehicle and then I drove him to the Center for the Families of the Fallen. He quickly brushed his teeth while we were driving and rinsed using the open window for a sink. I guess its just what you do when there aren't any other options. He reminded me alot of myself back in my Army days. I dropped him off to meet with the family. He was very shaken and uprepared to meet them and speak to them about their son, his friend.
I did not have to go back out on the flightline, as we had plenty of representatives in the center, but I somehow wish I could have, only to be a part of the process of welcoming his friend home. I think it would have brought some closure to the scene for me.
Dignified Transfers Witnessed (13)
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