Tough day for me but extremely proud...

[SFC B]

You all know that I am in the Army but very few of you know what I do. I am the Chaplain Section NCOIC with 10th Special Forces Group (A). My job has two major facets to it. Downrange I am responsible for the Chaplain, his movement to minister to our troops and his security. Chaplain's are non-combatants so it is my responsibility to be the "trigger-puller" and protect him. Back in Garrison my job is to be in charge of all of the admin, logistics and training in order to accomplish our core competencies "nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead". Part of the admin tasks are Memorial services and ceremonies for our fallen. I have been in the Army during the entirity of both of these wars and at present I have executed almost 110 Memorial ceremonies for fallen from my units. Included in these great men have been a couple of close friends. Nearly all have included families left behind. On this day I am proud to have been able to provide the appropriate honors for our heroes but find it difficult to come out from under the cloud of loss which stays with me. I see the faces of the children left fatherless everyday and pray for their comfort. Today I pray that we all realize the extent of sacrifice offered on our behalf and resolve to honor it everyday through our committment to our country and it's freedoms. God bless you all and the United States of America.

 

[have gun will travel]

Thank you.

 

[Big Fin]

Thank you for your service and the comfort you provide to those who need it in such time of need. A job that must carry with it a heavy burden or responsibility.

Memorial Day is the most important holiday to me. I am never without a nearby cemetery for which to visit a ceremony and pay my respects to those who gave so much, whether they are with us or having left us too soon. The times my travels has me out in the wild, I have my own ceremony on their behalf.

This morning was spent reading online eulogies for one of my closets high school friends. He died in a helicopter training accident in Hawaii in 2001. One of his fellow West Point barrack buddies posted this line below in his comments to Major Robert L. Olson. That line seems fitting for him and for the purpose of Memorial Day.

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
---George S. Patton, Jr.

It is hard not to mourn those who died, but it is very easy to thank God that such men lived. Thank God for all who serve(d).

 

[sluggo6850]

Thank You, you perform a much need service to our troops. Fortunately for them you are able to offer words of comfort and hope. Thanks again for your service.

 

[big28hunter]

GOD bless, Semper FI, and thank you!

 

[LopeHunter]

Thank you.

 

[Zach]

SFC B, thank you for your service.

I had a friend/acquaintance back in CA before moving that is a Chaplain. He's often comment how it was a 24/7 job. We never got to be good friends just because of the amount of time and dedication he had to his service.

Last I'd talked(or our wives had spoken) he was at Camp Pendleton assigned to a tank division. Still keep him in our prayers.

 

[noharleyyet]

SFC B, thank you for your service.....Zach.

Same here, tough job indeed...I had no idea,

 

[deer_shooter]

I can't imagine the weight you must bear. Thank you and God bless you.
Semper Fi.

 

[Slam]

Thank you sir.

 

[T Bone]

It's a heavy load you carry.

Thankyou.