Honor

The other day I had a chance to perform an extremely special mission. Its called 'Human Remains', or 'HR'. We were called in flight to change our mission and headed to bagram AB. When we got there we parked in a special location for the ceremony and were briefed by the colonel in charge. This being my first HR, I was very curious to see how it went down.

When the time came, we all lined up in front of the jet facing the back where the fallen soldier's company was lined up, forming two solid lines like walls leading from the back of the jet. The Humvee pulled up and the very solemnly 8 of his friends carried Jeremy Lynn Brown's casket past his company and onto the jet while a band played 'Amazing Grace'. I am not ashamed to say that I fought back tears as I saw the casket, draped with the American Flag, be ushered up the ramp. A service was said in the cargo hold and when it was finished, a 2-star general and several other attending officers came out to shake our hands and say thanks for taking him home.

The service lasted all of 15 minutes, but was extremely moving and powerful. Here, physically in front of me, was an example of my beliefs. This man fought for me and my family, just as I am fighting for his. He made the sacrifice that I hope to never have to make. We flew him down to Kuwait where there was a smaller, yet still respectful ceremony, and then it was over-for me. Jeremy Lynn Brown's body was headed home and his family would now have at least some measure of closure. I hope to never forget the ceremony I saw and think everyone should see something like it to remember that there are still men out there who are making that great sacrifice today. My prayers go out to Jeremy Lynn Brown and his family, and my thanks to both for the sacrifice they've made.