Funeral Detail

Friday I was asked if I could volunteer for a funeral detail, and after getting work cleared, I accepted. It turned out that the only teacher that would have cared, الاستاذ [Professor] Aissa, took a religious holiday today, so classes worked out well. I slept in for a bit, and then made some final checks to make sure my Class A's were looking good. I drove down to the unit, and met up with SPC Vaughn and the rest of the detail. I was to be part of the fire team that would deliver the 21-gun salute, so we practiced our movements in civies for a bit, and then got dressed and drove to pick up the ashes and then to Ft. Logan.

The funeral was for MAJ Johnson as I understand, the former commander and then executive officer for the 259th, one of our subordinate units. He had died of cancer, fairly young too, younger than 60. He left behind a wife and two little girls, around 8 and 10 I think. MSG Kanan joked around with us for a bit, but as soon as people started arriving, we shut ourselves up and locked down. We stood in the back, away from the ceremony. I couldn't hear much from the speeches that were being said, but I knew that emotions must be very somber. After what seemed like several hours (but was in fact probably 30 or 40 minutes), we were brought to attention by MSG Kanan. He gave all of his commands very low, so that the shot would be a shock to those gathered.

Port, Arms. Half-right, Face. Ready. (click of the safety) Aim. (step back, shoulder the rifle, 45 degree angle, directly over the grave) Fire. BANG! (And back to port arms) Ready, Aim, Fire. BANG! Ready, Aim, Fire. BANG!

The effect was as intended, a respectful thank you and farewell to a fellow soldier, and a shock to help those grieving to feel the emotion and speed the healing process. I didn't see many of the faces, but I can imagine how it must feel. An overwhelming wave of emotions. We marched out to allow the family and friends a moment, and then walked back to pick up the spent shells, and that was the end of my part. I'm glad I participated; it was educational, and I really feel that I helped say a final thank you to this man, this soldier, even if I had never met him, only seen him in passing. If I ever have another opportunity for this again, although my heart will feel for the loss of a brother or sister in arms, I shall certainly wish to see them off properly.