Pittsburgh Post-Gazette photo
Posted on 08/26/2005 4:15:12 PM PDT by Coop
We've likely all envisioned ourselves as the sympathetic military family members behind the front door, opening it to the worst possible news - the loss of a loved one, often a spouse or child. Generally not a word need be said; simply the sight of sharply attired airmen emerging from a vehicle or spit'n polish sailors standing on the front porch tells bereaved family members more than they'd ever want to know. Although these messengers have rehearsed their tragic lines repeatedly, they often never get to utter a syllable before intended recipients break down. Still, they fulfill their somber mission by proclaiming "The Secretary of the [Service] regrets to inform you that your..."
But how many of us put ourselves in the shiny shoes of these purveyors of such awful news? When they are performing notification duties, these men and women are the last uniformed servicemembers anyone would want to meet. Yet their presence, compassion and dedication reflects how much our Armed Forces value and respect not only their uniformed members, but their families as well. From the moment of death our fallen heroes are never alone, to include uniformed escorts on the aircraft bringing them home. Notification officers break the horrible news, then assist the family with funeral arrangements, benefits, insurance, and any other tasks that may ease their burden. Up until the middle of last century the standard notification practice was by telegraph, but now this sorrowful news is delivered in person, to underscore the fallen servicemember's importance to our nation.
(Excerpt) Read more at heroesandtraitors.org ...
Ping
Thank you for posting this. All I can say is WOW.
I would take duty in Iraq over doing this.
ping
I know the feeling of waitig for that knock on the door or phone call....I don't envy these soldiers one bit...God Bless Them
BTTT
I haven't seen that movie yet. Sounds like it's pretty powerful.
Indeed you do. As do many others here. That's why when I thank military families for their sacrifices (in addition to the servicemember's sacrifices), I really do mean it.
My Old Ma, had an Army LT knock on the door to announce that I had taken a moderate ding and was being evacuated to the states.
She remembered similar events from WW2 and it took several years off of her life, according to her, she is 85.
I think that some times it is harder on the Brothers that served and witnessed the death of a unit member, in a way, a truly loved one, than it is on the parents.
Bill
It's a great movie.
bookmarked for later read..
I recall reading a story from the Vietnam War, of the parents of an American soldier receiving a telegram that he had been killed in action. In that case, notifying them in person would have been rather impractical: the parents lived in Hungary.
I can only imagine. Just reading your post put a lump in my throat.
I can only imagine. Just reading your post put a lump in my throat.
You have the toughest job in the world. My hat is off to you, sir.
I have not performed casualty notification. I apologize if I accidentally implied that I did. Just offering some praise for some heroes.
And God Bless You.
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