Hello All,
My blog posts have been far and few between recently, but trust me, it is not due to lack of things to write about. I'm simply working on and addressing so many other issues, that I find little "quiet time" to sit and focus on writing. Tonight, however, I thought I would take a few minutes before retiring for the evening, to highlight an event that I deemed unique and noteworthy.
We had 3 separate flights arriving today, which resulted in a total of 5 Dignified Transfers. My partner covered the morning and early afternoon missions and I covered the evening mission. Of the two soldiers that were on the evening flight, one had his family in attendance for the Dignified Transfer. They arrived at the Center For The Families Of The Fallen and we greeted them and prepared them for the ceremony that was to take place. Interestingly enough, for no particular reason, we knew of a distinguished visitor that was on his way to offer condolences to this family also. The chaplain and I sat with the family and waited for the arrival of the Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff for the Department Of Defense, Admiral Mike Mullin. He was enroute to another location, but called ahead to schedule a stop-over so he and his wife could offer condolences and participate in the Dignified Transfer of the soldiers on board the aircraft.
What really impressed me in all of this was the fact that these soldiers, both fallen heroes, were simply young men with little time in service. Sadly, it is all to often in my experience, that extremely high ranking officials get involved when something is "high profile" and "worthy" of a visit. So, this evening I have to say that I'm humbled to have witnessed this random act by such a senior ranking official. It meant alot to the family too, that the Admiral came over to meet them, speak privately to them and add a personal touch of how our nation respects, honors and greives their loss alongside them. I had a chance to shake the Admiral's hand and I sensed his humble presence in this moment.
I learned that the one soldier we were honoring, gave his life, while in the process of attempting to save another. He had been injured, but was trying to get a fellow soldier onto a helicopter during an attack, when he collapsed from the wounds he suffered. Sadly, both lost their lives and are her with us now at Dover. I will be present with the chaplain tomorrow when we care for their remains and prepare them for thier final trip home to their familes.
God's peace and prayers be with them and their familes in the coming days ahead.
Dignified Transfers Witnessed (49)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Holding on to HOPE
Good evening,
The last 24 hours has been overwhelming. I think I managed to get about 5 1/2 hours of sleep since Monday morning. I am pretty sure this is still Tuesday! It's very strange how the days all blend together when you are awake across all hours.
Last night (10pm) through this morning (2am) we welcomed home 6 servicemembers and cared for over 40 family members / friends in attendance. It is by far the largest Dignified Transfer that has come through this year. It took a full complement of personnel to see to every one's needs in the 4 hour period. I was tasked with escort duties and had two that I had to meet at the aircraft, before bringing them over to the Center For The Families Of The Fallen. I carried their ruck sacks and saw to it that they were briefed on what to say and do when they met the families. In the meantime, my partner was working at the center welcoming the families and making their short stay comfortable. When I arrived, I introduced the escorts to the Casualty Assistance Officer and joined my partner and the other support personnel. We continued through the late night and into the morning until the mission was complete. One fallen servicemember in particular was a young woman. Surviving her was her husband and a small child. As I understand, she was running toward a bunker during an attack and suffered a shrapnel wound that she could not survive. I assisted in the processing this morning and saw her pass through X-ray and CT Scan stations. I helped the technicians as they carefully and delicately adjusted for each picture and then I rolled her out to the forensic dentists. It was truly an honor to assist in such a moment, but also extremely humbling. I couldn't help but look up and thank God for the life this woman led here among us all.
This evening, just a few short hours ago, I assisted in another DT. We welcomed home a Marine, a dad. I sat with his son, a five year old little man, in the children's room and watched Thomas The Tank Engine with him. The little fella was captivated by Thomas. I gently spoke to mom, standing nearby, and got her to talk about their home and what her young son liked to do. The little guy started coloring and I just grabbed a coloring book and joined him. He drew a plane that looked like a school bus, but a plane nevertheless to a 5yr old. I laughed. I colored a snail in a coloring book and made it a point to ensure that the snail was very colorful and bright, rather than dull, gray and slimy. I swirled all sorts of colors while keeping the conversation light and interesting with mom. I noticed the little boy was clutching a red teddy bear with Semper Fi embroidered across the front. Obviously, this was symbolic in some way since his dad is a Marine. "Once a Marine, always a Marine," as the saying goes. So, I slowly got up and went into a small storage closet where I safely placed 50 "Hope" Teddy Bears that were donated by a very caring & compassionate organization. I took one for this little guy and presented it to him, so that his other teddy bear would have a friend to keep company with. He was very shy at first, but truly wanted that bear more than anything. He kept it with him the entire time we were together and held it tightly, especially when we were out on the flightline watching his dad and paying our respects. I knelt by him so he would have someone else on his level during this extremely sad moment in his life. Interesting observation I had on the ride back to the center, when I noticed the little boy's Grandmother, clutching "Hope" too. I pray that "Hope" keeps, not only the little red bear company, but this little guy too. I like to think that one day, when he is much older, he'll find this teddy bear "Hope" and remember the significance of it's presence in his life. If not, that's okay too. At least I had the priviledge to comfort him in a very confusing time in his life and offer a little "Hope" for the future. He also wanted to take my snail picture.....glad I stayed within the lines!
Dignified Transfers witnessed (45)
The last 24 hours has been overwhelming. I think I managed to get about 5 1/2 hours of sleep since Monday morning. I am pretty sure this is still Tuesday! It's very strange how the days all blend together when you are awake across all hours.
Last night (10pm) through this morning (2am) we welcomed home 6 servicemembers and cared for over 40 family members / friends in attendance. It is by far the largest Dignified Transfer that has come through this year. It took a full complement of personnel to see to every one's needs in the 4 hour period. I was tasked with escort duties and had two that I had to meet at the aircraft, before bringing them over to the Center For The Families Of The Fallen. I carried their ruck sacks and saw to it that they were briefed on what to say and do when they met the families. In the meantime, my partner was working at the center welcoming the families and making their short stay comfortable. When I arrived, I introduced the escorts to the Casualty Assistance Officer and joined my partner and the other support personnel. We continued through the late night and into the morning until the mission was complete. One fallen servicemember in particular was a young woman. Surviving her was her husband and a small child. As I understand, she was running toward a bunker during an attack and suffered a shrapnel wound that she could not survive. I assisted in the processing this morning and saw her pass through X-ray and CT Scan stations. I helped the technicians as they carefully and delicately adjusted for each picture and then I rolled her out to the forensic dentists. It was truly an honor to assist in such a moment, but also extremely humbling. I couldn't help but look up and thank God for the life this woman led here among us all.
This evening, just a few short hours ago, I assisted in another DT. We welcomed home a Marine, a dad. I sat with his son, a five year old little man, in the children's room and watched Thomas The Tank Engine with him. The little fella was captivated by Thomas. I gently spoke to mom, standing nearby, and got her to talk about their home and what her young son liked to do. The little guy started coloring and I just grabbed a coloring book and joined him. He drew a plane that looked like a school bus, but a plane nevertheless to a 5yr old. I laughed. I colored a snail in a coloring book and made it a point to ensure that the snail was very colorful and bright, rather than dull, gray and slimy. I swirled all sorts of colors while keeping the conversation light and interesting with mom. I noticed the little boy was clutching a red teddy bear with Semper Fi embroidered across the front. Obviously, this was symbolic in some way since his dad is a Marine. "Once a Marine, always a Marine," as the saying goes. So, I slowly got up and went into a small storage closet where I safely placed 50 "Hope" Teddy Bears that were donated by a very caring & compassionate organization. I took one for this little guy and presented it to him, so that his other teddy bear would have a friend to keep company with. He was very shy at first, but truly wanted that bear more than anything. He kept it with him the entire time we were together and held it tightly, especially when we were out on the flightline watching his dad and paying our respects. I knelt by him so he would have someone else on his level during this extremely sad moment in his life. Interesting observation I had on the ride back to the center, when I noticed the little boy's Grandmother, clutching "Hope" too. I pray that "Hope" keeps, not only the little red bear company, but this little guy too. I like to think that one day, when he is much older, he'll find this teddy bear "Hope" and remember the significance of it's presence in his life. If not, that's okay too. At least I had the priviledge to comfort him in a very confusing time in his life and offer a little "Hope" for the future. He also wanted to take my snail picture.....glad I stayed within the lines!
Dignified Transfers witnessed (45)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Candy & Prayers
Good evening,
The last several days have given me ample experiences to write about, but I have been spending more time with my chaplain's and team members than sitting behind the computer keyboard. We've been building stronger bonds now that the most deadly month since the war began is past. Prayers are needed to ensure that we never see another month like July, where nearly 60 service members gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our lives, our liberties and our freedom.
This month started out quiet with roughly 3 full days and not one dignified transfer. Yesterday, however, we brought another hero home. He was a highly decorated soldier with 3 Purple Hearts and 2 Bronze Stars. His wife, attended the transfer with support from about 5 military members, who were more family than they were friends. I learned that she was expecting a child in a few months, which added much more to an already delicate moment in time. I also observed that one of the military friends, who just happened to be wearing civilian attire, had a prosthetic leg from the knee down. I found out that he lost his leg during a tour in Iraq and was a very close friend to the fallen soldier. He was here to pay his respects to his friend. What a intense, humbling experience to witness.
Through it all, I keep looking for and noticing God's small, subtle reminders that He is present and working all around this sacred place. We are all here to share the gifts that are in us. I have an amazing team of chaplains and support personnel all around me. Each one interdependent on the other for meaningful, uplifting support and guidance in this extremely difficult and psychologically challenging environment. Time here, working with one another, has drawn us together like family. Such that, we are now able to effectively watch out for one another and recognize when someone is having difficulty with things. We're tuned in.
I also have amazing friends & family at my church in Galena, Maryland. I reached out to some members of my church family at Olivet United Methodist Church, and by the grace of God they answered. I mentioned to a friend of mine, that the chaplain team I work with at Dover AFB, needed some extra candy to fill the basket that is the center piece of our office. By that I mean, what a "water cooler" is to a busy corporate office, this candy basket is to our chaplain office. She shared my story with the vacation bible school and within just a few short days, bags of candy were offered to help fill our basket!! Folks from throughout the mortuary will stop by to check out our basket and grab a piece of candy. It acts as a conduit for our impromptu ministry when we are in the office. Each time someone comes to our office for a morsel, we can chat them up and see how they are doing. It always results in a smile, but more often than not, it gets them talking and sharing their experiences with us and that opens a portal for us to help and remind them that we are there for them anytime day/night.
In addition to the candy I kindly asked a church member, who I knew was gifted as a woodworker, to fashion a prayer box for the mortuary, so that prayer requests could be collected and prayed over weekly. I gave the simplest guidelines for a simple box. I didn't want to impose, so any kind of box would be gratefully accepted. Well, today I attended service and met with my friend. He asked me to follow him to his car so I could pick up the box he crafted. When he opened his trunk, I was astonished at the gift before me. It was beautiful and beyond words! It was evident that he poured out his heart and soul into this simple box. But, what was evidently clear to me, was that my idea of simple was not his. He used the gift that God gave him to create a blessing for many. The prayer box is made of wood and is coated with clear polyurethane so the grain stands out in a very elegant way. It has a simple slot in the lid so that prayers can be dropped in and be carefully kept until they can be prayed over. The hinges and hasp are gold and complement the piece very nicely. The bottom, outside edges are finished with a unique moulding that adds character and class. I can't wait to present this to the chaplains for use in helping others submit prayers and concerns. What a blessing!
Many thanks to my church friends & family who serve a purpose greater than they'll ever know. Ministry and the prayers of many are made possible by your servant hood and giving spirits.
Dignified Transfers witnessed (38)
The last several days have given me ample experiences to write about, but I have been spending more time with my chaplain's and team members than sitting behind the computer keyboard. We've been building stronger bonds now that the most deadly month since the war began is past. Prayers are needed to ensure that we never see another month like July, where nearly 60 service members gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our lives, our liberties and our freedom.
This month started out quiet with roughly 3 full days and not one dignified transfer. Yesterday, however, we brought another hero home. He was a highly decorated soldier with 3 Purple Hearts and 2 Bronze Stars. His wife, attended the transfer with support from about 5 military members, who were more family than they were friends. I learned that she was expecting a child in a few months, which added much more to an already delicate moment in time. I also observed that one of the military friends, who just happened to be wearing civilian attire, had a prosthetic leg from the knee down. I found out that he lost his leg during a tour in Iraq and was a very close friend to the fallen soldier. He was here to pay his respects to his friend. What a intense, humbling experience to witness.
Through it all, I keep looking for and noticing God's small, subtle reminders that He is present and working all around this sacred place. We are all here to share the gifts that are in us. I have an amazing team of chaplains and support personnel all around me. Each one interdependent on the other for meaningful, uplifting support and guidance in this extremely difficult and psychologically challenging environment. Time here, working with one another, has drawn us together like family. Such that, we are now able to effectively watch out for one another and recognize when someone is having difficulty with things. We're tuned in.
I also have amazing friends & family at my church in Galena, Maryland. I reached out to some members of my church family at Olivet United Methodist Church, and by the grace of God they answered. I mentioned to a friend of mine, that the chaplain team I work with at Dover AFB, needed some extra candy to fill the basket that is the center piece of our office. By that I mean, what a "water cooler" is to a busy corporate office, this candy basket is to our chaplain office. She shared my story with the vacation bible school and within just a few short days, bags of candy were offered to help fill our basket!! Folks from throughout the mortuary will stop by to check out our basket and grab a piece of candy. It acts as a conduit for our impromptu ministry when we are in the office. Each time someone comes to our office for a morsel, we can chat them up and see how they are doing. It always results in a smile, but more often than not, it gets them talking and sharing their experiences with us and that opens a portal for us to help and remind them that we are there for them anytime day/night.
In addition to the candy I kindly asked a church member, who I knew was gifted as a woodworker, to fashion a prayer box for the mortuary, so that prayer requests could be collected and prayed over weekly. I gave the simplest guidelines for a simple box. I didn't want to impose, so any kind of box would be gratefully accepted. Well, today I attended service and met with my friend. He asked me to follow him to his car so I could pick up the box he crafted. When he opened his trunk, I was astonished at the gift before me. It was beautiful and beyond words! It was evident that he poured out his heart and soul into this simple box. But, what was evidently clear to me, was that my idea of simple was not his. He used the gift that God gave him to create a blessing for many. The prayer box is made of wood and is coated with clear polyurethane so the grain stands out in a very elegant way. It has a simple slot in the lid so that prayers can be dropped in and be carefully kept until they can be prayed over. The hinges and hasp are gold and complement the piece very nicely. The bottom, outside edges are finished with a unique moulding that adds character and class. I can't wait to present this to the chaplains for use in helping others submit prayers and concerns. What a blessing!
Many thanks to my church friends & family who serve a purpose greater than they'll ever know. Ministry and the prayers of many are made possible by your servant hood and giving spirits.
Dignified Transfers witnessed (38)
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