Below is an email that my husband wrote to me today. His words…..
Went to a flight line ceremony today. Didn’t really know what it was about. It was for a young lad passing though on his way home. It probably wasn’t how he would have pictured his travels home. It was only one step on his long journey to the States. There must have been over three hundred service members, civilian contractors and TCNs (Third Country Nationals) There was Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airman station here at Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion. Even seen a German Shepherd and his Marine handler. I saw a British Royal Marine, British Soldiers and Airmen. Both British and American contractors. Seen other services from other countries of the NATO coalition that are stationed here or was just passing through on their way to complete the mission that they have been task to bring some peace to this little part of the world. Seen all different ranks both enlisted and officer, from a two star Marine General to a basic “slick sleeve” Airman. All these people came to honor this Marine. We lined up just off the runway, dressed in desert utilities, to full combat gear that we wear on patrol, to good old blue jeans and a sweatshirt that the contractors wear to fix what we break. As we stand and wait, helicopters fly in and out of the flight line. These birds of prey and support stop moving as a C-130 lands and taxis closer to where we are staged. The bird drops its ramps and shuts off its engines. Its cargo is off loaded and more people de-bark to join the personnel of this base. After the plain and runway is cleared of personnel and heavy equipment, we approach this big wing giant like ants, single filed and in mass. The files line from the ramps to the gravel lots that skirt the concrete runway. The file breaks it off as we run out of room and starts another rank; this is done over and over again. As this detail stops, it automatically turns in-board and creates a path as wide as the ramp on the bird. This all happens without a word said or a command given. All you can hear is the footsteps as we move across the gravel, mud, water and concrete. We all stand at parade rest. Then, in the distance, you can hear a Sergeant Major bark commands and we execute. We all slowly salute and then here comes this young lad, a Marine Corporal, being escorted by six Marines. The flag that drapes his coffin is crisp and clean. As he passes by, we smartly turn half left or right to follow his path to the bird. After he is placed in the belly of the plain and the escort team comes to attention and salutes to render honors to this fallen hero. We hold our salute until the Sergeant Major gives the command to “Order Arms”. This Marine has given his Country and its ideals the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless and Semper Fi.
Sorry my love, I had to write this, for some reason, I needed to…..When I was on I&I, I had to do many of these types of ceremonies as you well know but for some reason it was different this time. I don’t know if it was because we are in a combat zone or if it was because it just happened or if I’m getting old. I didn’t even know this Marine but I was moved to see this event unfold and had to write about this experience. If you would, please post a little blog on my Facebook to “remember our fallen heroes”. I would appreciate it. Thank you. I LOVE YOU! I MISS YOU VERY MUCH!!!
Rest In Peace
Cpl *******
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I removed the Marine’s name for privacy reasons.
~Bj
