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COMMENTARY An emotional machine; a guardsman’s struggle, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

COMMUNITY NEWS

RETIREE

Retiree Corner, Page 2

VA, nonprofits come together to end homelessness among vets, Page 3

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.

Wounded Warrior sports program brings life back to wounded vets

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 47

African American Civil War Memorial pay tribute at wreath laying ceremony

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JARROD MAIDENS

U.S. Air Force Wounded Warriors gather at Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center Nov. 13-16, to participate in the Air Force Adaptive Sports and Reconditioning Program.

BY SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Approximately 35 wounded warriors gathered at Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center, Nov. 13-16, to participate in the Air Force Adaptive Sports and Reconditioning Program.

The program introduces and sustains participation in adaptive sports and recreational activities for wounded, ill and injured Airmen.

“Our objective is to help these Airmen find a

sport or activity they can integrate into their healing process,” said Tony Jasso, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Air Force warrior sports program manager.

Some of the activities include volleyball, basketball, golf, rowing, archery, and music therapy.

“These activities allow individuals the opportunity to establish new support networks,” Jasso said. “This program helps these warriors get out of their houses and spend-

see WOUNDED, page 5

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Patricia Tyson, a museum freed re-enactor gives the opening prayer prior to the wreath laying ceremony held at the African American Civil War Memorial Statue near the museum in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Nov. 11.

BY BOBBY JONES STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

On Nov. 11, the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum held its 15th Annual Veterans Day Wreath Lay-

ing ceremony for Black Civil War veterans in Northwest Washington, DC. “This memorial is for African Americans who were recruited, trained, organized and engaged in

battle in the same states that had been enslaved.

In some cases, they had been engaged in fights where their slave masters had been captured,” said Frank Smith, Ph.D., Museum director. “So for

them this was a war of liberation. This memorial is for the 3.9 million African Americans held in slavery, which fought in the Civil War and fought their way to freedom.”

see MEMORIAL, page 5

JBA co-hosts 2014 Vietnam War Veteran’s Commemorative Breakfast

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Several veterans celebrated at a 2014 War Veterans Commemorative Breakfast on the eve of Veterans Day at Joint Base Andrews Commissary Nov. 10.

Herbert Ruffin, Joint Base Andrews Commissary store manager served as the master of ceremonies for the Defense Commissary Agency sponsored event, which reintroduced the official

Vietnam War Veterans flag, created by the Department of Defense in honor of all Vietnam War veterans and their families.

The purpose of the event was to honor the sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans and their families during the war.

One of the more colorful speakers in attendance was legendary war hero and retired Army Command Sergeant Major Daniel E. Harper, a recipient of the Silver

Medal, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and several other medals.

Harper was one of the last survivors of the infamous Pork Chop Hill in Korea.

Wearing the title of “Platoon Daddy,” given to him by his company because of his father-like image, the war veteran spoke about his war experience and new book entitled “Life of a Soldier,” which depicts his 23-plus years of service.

The featured guest

see WAR, page 4

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Honored speakers, veteran organizations and participants gather for photo opportunity under the Vietnam War Commemorative Flag after the 2014 Vietnam War Veteran’s Commemorative Breakfast in the Joint Base Andrews Commissary Nov. 10.

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town November 21-23

Death Takes a Holiday Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m.

Laurel Mill Playhouse 508 Main Street, Laurel, MD Drama based on the conception of death suspending all activities for three days; during that time, he falls in love and learns why mortals fear him. Visit www.laurelmillplayhouse.org for more information.

8 p.m. $20, students and active duty military $15.

Saturdays and Sundays

Bumper Cars on Ice Tucker Road Ice Rink, 1770 Tucker Road, Fort Washington 20744 Solo riders must be ages 6 & up; riders ages 5 & under must ride with an adult. Last ride begins 10 minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides are on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are based on 1 person per ride; each ride is 4-5 minutes in length.

For more information call 301-265-1525.

Through January 4

Gaylord National’s ICE! A special holiday, interactive 100-acre walkthrough park featuring a winter wonderland created of 2 million pounds of ice, hand sculpted by international artisans. This year’s theme is Frosty the Snowman. Visit www.gaylordnationaltickets.com for more information.

Price and hours vary, with discounts for military.

November 28-30

Noon-5 p.m.

15th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Show Darnall’s Chance House Museum, 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772 Come view an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. You will have the opportunity to vote for best house in the Viewer’s Choice Award Competition. $1/person; Children 4 & under free.

November 28-January 1

Festival of Lights 5-9:30 p.m.

Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193), Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Don’t miss this holiday drive-through event featuring more than one million twinkling lights. This year’s Festival features new displays.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military.

The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher

jrives@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, November 21, 2014

Commentary

An emotional machine; a guardsman’s struggle

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Look sharp, but move fluidly. Be crisp in movement, yet smooth in motion. Appear motionless and do not show any emotion (if you can).

This is the delicate balance a Joint Base Andrews Air Force base honor guardsman faces.

I didn’t know what it meant to be a guardsman for most of my life.

I would watch movies and television shows growing up and usually only see them at a funeral.

I would see a similar scene in each instance. A small crowd of people standing around a casket, ranging from stoic onlookers to grieving family members clinging to each other for emotional support.

The same order of events would take place. The flag folding over the casket, the rifle party off in the distance, the bugler playing “Taps,” and then finally the climax of the scene happens.

The one remaining guardsman stands near the casket holding the American flag, it is folded with such precision that it could cut the gloves holding it, yet cradled ever so gently, like a mother carrying her newborn baby.

He would slowly walk with purpose over to the widow and get down on one knee. Then hand the flag to her, look her in the eye and say something along the lines of: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of (insert branch here), and a grateful nation, we offer our nation’s flag for

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SSGT NICHELLE ANDERSON

A Joint Base Andrews Honor Guardsman poses for a photo Nov. 7. The American flag is presented as it is during funerals for deceased military vetarans when passing the flag to the next-of-kin.

the faithful and honorable service of your loved one.”

This is the condolence given to the next-of-kin in what could very likely be the last interaction they have with the military for the rest of their life.

Every moment was building up to the passing of the flag and the message of condolence. When it was my turn to experience this for myself, all I could think at the time was, “don’t screw it up, don’t screw it up.”

There is one thing the cinematic version of this real life event doesn’t tell you; it’s difficult to distance yourself emotionally from the

pain that you’re specifically trained to be in the heart of It’s seemed like a mystery to me at first why someone would want to be in that position.

The honor guard was not something I initially thought I wanted to do and for good reason; who enjoys going to funerals? It’s blunt to say it that way, but is there really a simpler way to put it?

I came into the Air Force as photojournalist. My job was to capture the Air Force story, which would sadly include funerals.

My mission was to be a fly on the wall and take pictures for the family. I have been to Arlington National Cemetery many times for all kinds of funerals, whether they be full or standard honors.

The tsunami of emotion the families projected never got to me because I was just the guy with a camera hopping from one odd spot to the other trying to get the perfect shot. Never interfere with the ceremony, just do the job I was trained to.

I dodged emotion because I could always tell myself, “Well, at least I’m not a part of this.”

The irony of my thoughts does not escape me as I write these words.

This past summer, my supervisor walked around the office asking if anyone wanted to join base honor guard. I didn’t think much of the opportunity at first, except that it would be a unique experience and great bullet on my profile.

see COMMENTARY, page 6

Retiree Corner Records Updated

Records for airmen separated or retired under the fiscal 2014 Voluntary Separation Pay program have been updated to reflect eligibility for transitional medical benefits.

Those separating under the fiscal 2014/15 VSP program are authorized transition benefits, including 180 days of premium-free Tricare coverage for the separatee and eligible family members. Affected airmen have been advised of these changes. Airmen who applied for separation and are still within 180 days from separation should visit the nearest military ID card issuance facility to obtain the appropriate forms that allow for use of the benefits. Airmen also can contact the Air Force Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102 for additional information.

Scholarship Help

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is accepting applications for three education programs. The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant

offers need-based grants of at least $2,000 to dependent children of active, retired and deceased Air Force members. Surviving spouses of retired members are also eligible. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduates at an accredited college or university during the 2015-2016 academic year and are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point average (GPA). Merit Scholarship (incoming freshmen) – with top GPA’s as verified through the Arnold education grant application – will be contacted by AFAS to compete for these $5,000 merit-based scholarships.

A minimum of 10 scholarships are awarded annually. Completing the grant application also determines eligibility for an interest-free supplemental loan program. Sponsoring members may request up to $1,000 per eligible student to help reimburse out-of-pocket education expenses. The program has an average 60 percent selection rate and provides 100 percent of those eligible with validated financial need.

Application deadline is March 13.

For more information, visit www. afas.org/education-grants.

Claims Form Added

A VA disability claims form will be introduced in March that standardizes the process to file claims and initiate appeals. Previously no form was needed for written claims which caused delays due to missing information. The updated process also includes standardizing the traditional informal claims process by employing a new “Intent to File a Claim” process which affords the claimant one year to compile necessary documentation or evidence to support the claim while preserving an effective date of claim.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301 9812726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Andrews Gazette

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VA, nonprofits come together to end homelessness among vets cialization – things like Just one of the nu- what we wanted to do is if your friends are always merous events the VA introduce this to more of taking your money; or do has, this event served the community organizaIn a continuing effort you have a support sys- an even more important tions – churches, sororito seek solutions and find tems, talk to people other purpose, Kevin Mor- ties, fraternities – when new ways to take care than voices in your head? ton, Washington DC VA we targeted it, that’s the of homeless veterans, a And lastly, wellness – Medical Center, shared, audience we targeted for medical conditions, men- “We have events all the this. group of like-minded intal health, and substance time, the VA requires us dividuals came together “A lot of people don’t usage. That is the general to do what we call a chal- understand the plight to share information and frame up for the tool. lenge event where we tell of homeless people; we resources. Earlier this “We are not using the the community what we wanted to talk about the month the VA Medical ER or having interac- do so that they’re aware problems that homeless Center’s Health Care for tions with the police in what the VA is doing. people have. One of the Homeless Veterans Prothe same way that people This is slightly different bigger things is that a gram gathered local nonPHOTO/BOBBY JONES who are homeless; and because the whole coor- homeless person dies 10profit organizations and allied citizens together Jill Carmichael, Friendship Place; David Tweedie,The people who are homeless dinated entry is relative- 25 years earlier than the aren’t using the ER or ly new; and it’s the en- average population; we on Nov. 1 to share initia- Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homeaccessing police or am- tire community coming wanted to get those kinds tives as well as inves- lessness; Garnet Nelson, MSW, Department of Veterbulance even the same together to house home- of things out to the gentigate the ways to help ans Affairs are part of the team heading the 100-Day initiative to best figure out how to reduce homelessacross that population. less people. The VA has eral public so they know the population at the There is a subset of all of taken a kind of lead with the seriousness of what Working Together to End ness. us and a subset of home- all the vouchers and all Homelessness sympoby OrgCode of Toronto, it es of pure reviewed re- less that is using a dis- the resources they have we’re trying to do.” sium in Washington, DC. The day was not just is being used as a part of search behind it that this proportionate amount of been able to put behind The event was intended people talking about the a 25-city campaign where is truly the best practice. services. So the argument housing veterans and our as a vehicle for the entire the level of homelessness We looked at things like is the Million Dollar Mur- goal is to have no home- need but people who had community to learn about is the highest in a 100- how long have you been ray story – if one person – less veterans by the end experienced the need. initiatives in place to end Several veterans shared veteran homelessness, as day initiative to figure homeless – if you have the famous Murray – was of 2015. So the reason their stories of being on well as, present oppor- out how to best reduce been homeless out on the using a million dollars why we did this is be- the low end and making tunities for people to be- homelessness. Sitting streets or under a bridge worth of resources every cause what we have and their way to the other come involved. The bevy down to talk with David for 30 years. What does year by keeping him un- who is working with us side. of speakers and panelists Tweedie, System Admin- that look like for you? … housed, therefore by mov- now are different home“I actually think more shared past successful ac- istrator for the Com- How often are you using ing someone into hous- less providers within the veterans should be intions as well as emerging munity Partnership for the ER? How often are ing you save not just the community, this is their vited because, just like new tools and informa- the Prevention of Home- you arrested; how often housing system money niche – to work with myself, I had no idea that tion to endeavor to best lessness, as well as the are you being forcibly but mental health, hos- homeless people as an or- those things were availaccess and help this pop- team leader for the 100- institutionalized against pitals, police, everyone ganization. We have come see HOMELESS, page 5 together as a group; and day Initiative, he shared your will for mental combined.” ulation. health?

Are you taking there are more than 100 Assessment tools such as the VI-SPDAT – Vul- other additional cities us- you medications; do you nerability Index and ing this tool, making for have cancer, HIV, chronLarge brick 4.bdrm 3 bath home on a beautiful Service Prioritization more than 130 cities us- ic health conditions?”

1.8 acre level lot w/ in ground pool, 3 car Tweedie said.

Decision Assistant Tool ing the index. detached garage, all new renovations of kitchen, “In general we look at “Nationwide more – are some of the more baths & more. Multi-tiered trex decking, fenced yard, easy commute, Great White Plains location. innovative tools being de- than 300,000 people have the history of homelessCall for a showing, offered at $369,000 veloped to delve deeper been accessed with this ness: risks – if you are into meeting the needs of same best practices tool; constantly being beat up “Helping Home Buyers & Sellers Locally for 19 years” homeless vets. Developed there are countless pag- out on the streets…; soBY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, November 21, 2014

WAR, from page 1 speaker was Wilbert B. Forbes Sr., Deputy Secretary, Veteran Support Centers of America, who commended Herbert Ruffin, JBA Commissary store manager for sponsoring the event and thanked him for the invitation.

“I couldn’t think of a better place I’d want to be than the Joint Base Andrews Commissary on the eve of Veterans Day,” said Forbes. He addressed the family members, thanking them for their continued support. “I want to thank you all for the sacrifices you have made during our military service.

It’s been so important to us, to the point that many of you are now serving as care givers for us who have fought in battles and have come back and need attention,” said Forbes. “So as you family members continue to serve, we’re thankful.”

Forbes also paid tribute to the WWII heroes, the late Frank Buckles who passed in 2010 and Frank Overton, who is currently the oldest living WWII Veteran, at the age of 109 years old. He is quite a veteran. “You need to Google his name, and find out more about him. He still drives a pickup truck,” said Forbes. “But what this tells us is that our veterans are living longer, but we’re

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Daniel E. Harper, a recipient of the Silver Medal, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and several other medals shares his story as one of the last survivors of the infamous Pork Chop Hill in Korea. Harper was known as ‘Platoon Daddy,’ a titled given to him by his company because of his father-like image, the war veteran spoke about his war experience and new book entitled ‘Life of a Soldier’ which depicts his 23-plus years of service.

still aging and suffering from disabilities. However, sadly, we’re losing our WWII veterans at a tremendous rate of 1000 to 1200 a day across this great land. Most local veterans in their early to mid 90s probably come in this commissary to shop. We have a debt of gratitude to pay to these individuals.”

Forbes noted the greatest void today is the lack of communication to the services and

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benefits available, anxious to share his knowledge regarding veteran benefits.

“We have to do a better job of navigating this system to getting our benefits. There is help, you can go to the VA.gov website and get started. I can’t tell you how important it is to be enrolled in the system,” said Forbes. “Today we have 22.7 million veterans that are still moving around the country. However, there are about

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Wilbert B. Forbes, Sr., Deputy Secretary, Veteran Support Centers of America and guest speaker, addresses an audience of veterans during a 2014 Vietnam War Veteran’s Commemorative Breakfast at the Joint Base Andrews Commissary Nov. 10.

8.5 million vets who are still not enrolled in the system, and they should be enrolled. Forbes explained, today there are Veteran Service Officers trained in helping you to navigate the system and learn about your health care and benefits.

“If you want service you must be enrolled in the system.

One of the newest Community Based Outpatient Clinics is located next to the Andrews Federal Credit Union. It offers a variety of health care services.

They’ll take care of getting you enrolled and mailing you your ID card in seven to 10 days,” said Forbes.

In closing, he added, “Veterans we’ve got to take care of each other and ourselves. So enjoy Veterans Day, thank you for your service; and, families, thank you for your sacrifices.”

At the end of the event, veterans and their families in attendance posed for a photograph under the Vietnam War Commemorative Flag.

Among the organizations represented at the event were, The Military Order of Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Tuskegee Airmen as well as members from Joint Base Andrews’ 11th Wing, Navy, Army and Marine veterans.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Andrews Gazette

HOMELESS, from page 3 able to me. And to see all the different agencies that are working to help them find jobs, to end homelessness – which is far more severe than people can ever imagine, especially right here in the District. Because, like I said, no one even knew I was homeless; so you don’t know what homeless looks like. I think this was a great event and I’m so appreciative that I had an opportunity to come here; not so much to speak but just to absorb and give back – to say thank you… This was phenomenal,” said Mary Jones, a 15-year veteran who shared her plight from being employed to home-

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

From left, Army Sgt. Maj. Donald Sparks, Defense Media Activity, Fort Mead, assists Frank Smith, Ph.D., Museum director, center, an ancestor of an African American Civil War soldier and a museum Civil War re-enactor during the wreath laying ceremony held at the African American Civil War Memorial Statue near the museum in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Nov. 11.

MEMORIAL, from page 1 During the opening ceremony Tonya Canada, a noted jazz singer, sung a jazz version of America the Beautiful and Lift Every Voice to an audience in front of the African American Civil War Memorial Statue.

Patricia Tyson, a museum freed reenactor, gave the ceremony opening prayer to several onlookers participating in the annual event.

Museum director, Dr. Smith was later joined by Army Sgt. Maj. Donald Sparks, Defense Media Activity, Fort Meade, a Civil War period museum reenactor and Civil War soldier ancestor in carrying the wreath to a resting place at the foot of the African American Civil War Memorial statue.

In the closing ceremony, a museum freed re-enactor shared heartfelt words from the biography of Harriet Tubman before returning to a program inside the museum. “She ran for her freedom

WOUNDED, from page 1 ing more time with their families.”

The program works with any Air Force members who have been injured in the line of duty. This includes Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard members.

“You don’t have to be in a wheel chair to play sports with us,” Jasso said. “We work with a wide variety of injuries and encourage these Airmen to gravitate back towards an active lifestyle, because inactivity kills wounded warriors.”

The program creates a different perspective on how the Airmen view their injuries, helps restore confidence, breaks the cycle of feeling like a patient, a mindset that often discourages

nineteen times to save Black sisters and brothers. Harriet Tubman didn’t take no stuff. Wasn’t scared of nothing neither. Didn’t come in this world to be no slave... And didn’t stay one either.”

Afterward, the museums Civil War period re-enactors led the audience as they marched from the ceremony sight to museum for the remainder of the Veterans Day observance.

Among the featured speakers was retired Army Col. James Wyatt, who addressed an audience in the museum’s auditorium, expounding on the contributions of Nannie Helen Burroughs, an educator, religious leader and civil rights advocate and the triumph of the Tuskegee Airmen as the first group of African American aviators to see battle during WWII. Dr. Smith noted, “This Veterans Day observance is a special tribute that we look forward to every year in honoring the contributions of the soldiers.”

Airmen, and restores the ‘team’ outlook by encouraging one another.

“The program taught me that my disease doesn’t have to debilitate me,” said Deloris Giger, Joint Base San AntonioRandolph Air Force Wounded Warrior participant. “They told me they would give me my life back and they did.”

Giger, a first-time participant, plans to continue with the program to help inspire others going through circumstances similar to her own that she can relate to.

“I want to be held accountable,” Giger said. “I want someone to tell me that I can do it, not to give up. I want to do that for someone else.”

For more information on Air Force Adaptive Sports and Reconditioning Program, call 808-777-7442 or email airforcewoundedwarrior@gmail.com.

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lessness back to gainful employment.

“As far as events like this, the most important part is the VA communicating with the community partners and bridging — or closing — what other gaps there may be; which we still have, we’ll always have them. It’s a process in the works; a lot of the services available now weren’t available three years ago when I was homeless.

I’m really happy that everyone got together,” said Vicky Thomas, CPS, Peer Support Counselor HCHV/HUDVASH/OUTREACH. Anyone who wants to become involved in these efforts should contact Washington DC VA Homeless Medical Program.

6

COMMENTARY, from page 2 I knew it would only be a part-time duty for the next year and I could walk away at the end of the day saying that I paid my respects to those who wore the uniform before me.

So, I said yes, signed the paperwork and awaited my training. Several months later, I walked into the honor guard training facility down the road to begin a very repetitive and but necessary training course.

Every day we learned a different step-by-step process for each type of ceremony the honor guard takes part in.

Two-person flag folds for a retirement ceremony versus a six-person fold for standard honors funerals.

Firing party cadences for a funeral versus rifle positions for a colors party. Calling commands for colors and hoping to God you don’t drop the flag, lest you become “that guy” and now we have to burn our national symbol.

The list goes on and on.

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Andrews Gazette After spending weeks of training, for hours a day, and doing many missions across the National Capital Region, I can comfortably say that’s not what honor guard is all about.

Wearing the ceremonial uniform has a much deeper and poignant meaning to it..

Despite the fact that paying respect to our deceased veterans is congressionally mandated, there’s a statement I remember from Chaplain (Col.) Charles Cornelisse, 11th Operations Group Arlington Senior Air Force Chaplain at Arlington, when I was interviewing him for another story.

He said, “If the military gets nothing else right, at least we know the most important thing to do for these families of our brothers and sisters in uniform, is to pay our respects and show how much we appreciate their service to this country.”

That’s the quintessential point of honor guard.

Honor guard has taught me a great deal, but there’s one thing you can’t be taught no matter how much training you do.

Until you kneel before a somber-eyed stranger and

Friday, November 21, 2014

look at their tears, you cannot truly grasp the near indescribable feeling of saying thank you for service of someone who you didn’t even know, but still respect.

I had to stare into the very face of despair and loss, but fight the human reaction of wanting to wrap my arms around that hurting soul and say it’s going to be ok. Then, to remove myself from the situation, I let go of the flag I so intently held with snow white gloves wrapped around my hands, almost as if I wasn’t worthy to touch it.

I stand up to render a final salute and then turn away. I’m careful to never turn to my back so as not insult the flag, but just enough to the side to face away from the grief-stricken eyes staring at me. Finally, I march off..

Moving with flawless motion like a machine, but still showing the ideal values of compassion, veneration and honor is difficult.

I like to refer to what every troop in basic training hears when pushing through that last set of push-ups or the last lap around the track. “It doesn’t get easier, you just get better.”

Funerals won’t get any less miserable, but you learn to take in the glum reality of losing a sibling in arms and deliver the reverence that person, the uniform and flag deserves.

My honor guard trainers told me that these hard moments just come with the job. However, it’s important to remember that we are there for the families, because that last show of respect is all for them.

Wearing the ceremonial uniform is a calling that demands discipline, duty and dignity. I say the words, “thank you for your service,” knowing someday, someone else is going to say the same thing to my family.

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Friday, November 21, 2014

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Friday, November 21, 2014

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