“The Lord cares
deeply when His loved ones die.” ~
Psalm 116:15
A wispy fog was just burning off
the Chesapeake Bay, as Sgt. Ramirez raced to meet a USAF C-17 at Dover Air
Force Base. Its cargo compartment would
be nearly void except for two flag-covered boxes strapped down in the belly of
the aircraft.
Driving through tiny towns, passing farms with fields of flaming
red columbine and yellow lady slipper, he reminisced about serving in a similar
capacity during Vietnam. When choppers landed,
they unloaded the wounded, then those killed in action. The KIA would be shipped home to grieving
families, who would invariably pose the question, "Are you sure that’s my
child?"
He’s constantly haunted by how young they are,
and by how many leave behind small children.
That’s why Sgt. Ramirez doesn’t investigate their backgrounds. During the height of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, 10 to 20 bodies arrived daily.
This event is not a "ceremony" but rather a
"dignified transfer" of remains.
No families are present; no small children feeling sad or confused. Just a
small group of soldiers who take immense pride in honoring fallen comrades.
Once the plane arrives, conversation ends with a discipline needing
no command. Rodriquez joins a squad of
seven who march out to the tarmac. A General
follows, flanked by a chaplain.
The plane's cargo door opens slowly revealing a cavernous
space. The Honor Guard rises on a mobile
platform that’s raised to the cargo bay.
The remains have been packed on ice into flag-draped, metal transfer
cases that can easily exceed 500 pounds. Later, the remains will be washed and if necessary,
bones are wired together and damaged tissue is reconstructed with flesh-toned
wax. Once prepared and dressed in
military uniforms perfectly tailored, starched and pressed, they’ll be placed
in a casket.
With marked precision, soldiers place themselves on both
sides of the case. The squad lifts, the
soldiers buckling slightly under the weight.
They move slowly back onto the elevated platform and deposit the casket
with compelling tenderness. The process
continues until the last casket is removed from the plane.
The caskets are lowered together to the ground, where soldiers
salute in slow motion before briskly carrying each box to a white van. Only muted commands break the solemnity. A white-gloved soldier respectfully closes
the van’s back doors to a half-speed salute.
Just before the van departs, someone speaks in a hushed tone. They extend a final, sharp salute.
Our jobs take many different paths. Sgt. Ramirez prays that he made a difference
today, a positive contribution. He considers it a privilege to escort these
War Heroes into the loving hands of their families. He knows he did his very best to memorialize
their soldier.
Lord God, it is our deep and sacred honor to
welcome them home once again. Bless all
our soldiers, living and deceased. May
their bravery strengthen our resolve in the difficult work of laying the
foundation for peace in our time. Amen
