A Special Visit

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)