On 30 December I had the honor of attending a Dignified
Transfer. For those who are
unfamiliar with what this is, let me explain. When a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, or Airmen from any service
is killed in action, the military places extreme reverence on the
transportation of his/her body from the theater of operations to their home
country. Because we are currently
fighting with a coalition force, this ceremony is conducted regardless of the
nationality of the service member.
Tonight we honored a Georgian soldier who made the ultimate
sacrifice. I have never met this
man; in fact I did not even know his name. But I joined approximately 100 other service members in honoring
his service and sacrifice as his casket was loaded onto the C-130 that would
fly him back to his loved ones.
We lined up in two formations on either side of the plane’s
ramp and participated in the most solemn event I have ever been a part of. As the casket was carried onto the
plane the commander gave the call to “Present Arms,” and everyone slowly
rendered a final salute. The
members of his unit then boarded the plane to say their final goodbyes and the
formation was dismissed.
The news spends a lot of time focusing on the “bad” parts of
the war. This is quite possibly
the worst part of the war, but a part that cannot be forgotten. I’m grateful that I’m located on a
relatively safe base where I have access to the Internet, regular phone calls, hot
showers, a comfortable bed, and three hot meals a day. I’m grateful that I can run around the
base without worry and go to the gym every day. Many people who are over here in Afghanistan do not have
these luxuries.
To the man I saw being loaded onto the C-130 tonight, you
will never be forgotten.
Source (not from Jessica's current deployment)
