Posted on 05/02/2006 6:36:54 PM PDT by SandRat
FORT HUACHUCA — In January, Sgt. 1st Class Tim Kurczewski saw Tristian J. Slade off, as the 19-year-old headed for basic training.
Monday, the former Army recruiter was at Chaffee Parade Field as he and other soldiers and civilians bade farewell to Slade, a private first class.
Slade, of Charlotte, N.C., died Friday morning of unknown causes.
Not feeling well, he went to a post medical clinic, where he collapsed, was treated by medical personnel and rushed to the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The cause of his death is under investigation.
Kurczewski arrived on the fort Wednesday and was going to make contact with Slade, whom he had known for more than two years.
Now assigned to the Communications Security Logistics Agency, the noncommissioned officer said he is in the process of clearing in and did not find out the younger soldier had died until Monday morning.
“He wanted to join the Army for the two years I knew him,” Kurczewski said of Slade.
The West Charlotte High School graduate was a member of the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program, where in his senior year his was the organization’s cadet sergeant major, the NCO said.
“He was always willing to do anything asked of him,” Kurczewski said.
Slade’s attitude was noted by a number of speakers at his memorial service.
The bugle call to retreat could be heard emanating from Brown Parade Field, a long distance away, as the audience stood up.
The lanyards on the many metal flagpoles at Chaffee banged in time with the tune.
Capt. Brian Babcock-Lumish read the official obituary of Slade, noting his survivors included his mother, brother and sister.
“To die so young is a tragedy,” said the captain, who commands Company C, of the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion.
But it would be a greater tragedy if Slade was not remembered, Babcock-Lumish said.
Drill Sgt. Gabriel Orquiz said Slade was the type of soldier “who led by example.”
The young solider was disciplined, he added.
“Pfc. Tristian Slade, I know you can hear and see me,” Orquiz said. “We’ll see you on the high ground.”
A trio of student soldiers also spoke about their friend.
For Pvt. Darron Eubanks, Pvt. Ryan Seelbinder and Pfc. Anthony Shuler, Slade is a person who will be missed, not only by them but by all who had any contact with him.
Chaplain (Maj.) Kevin Leideritz remarked that Slade was following what the Founding Fathers started, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States — freedom.
Soldiers like Slade exist to defend freedom, the chaplain said.
Those who are willing to be counted as freedom’s protectors are blessed by God, Leideritz said.
The chaplain also noted the untimely death of the soldier.
“Tomorrow is not guaranteed,” he said.
What is guaranteed is that soldiers know they may face death at any time and “have the freedom to meet our maker.”
Being prepared for death “makes you a better soldiers,” Leideritz said.
Soldiers, like Slade, whose military journey was cut short, are the ones who ensure freedom for many, the chaplain said.
On Friday, Slade was on the unit’s rolls.
Monday, First Sgt. Tom Eisenmann called out the company’s roll. As a name was called, the soldier responded, “Here, First Sergeant!”
Then Eisenmann called “Slade!” No response.
“Pfc. Slade!” the first sergeant called out. Again no response.
Finally, he yelled, “Private first class Tristian Slade!” Silence continued.
The roll call was over. Slade had moved on.
A 21-rifle volley reverberated over the parade field, followed by the 24 mournful notes of Taps.
Soldiers then filed out of the bleachers, marching in a single file passing a simple memorial to Slade.
A few had tears in their eyes, some swallowed hard, a few stole a quick glance at the memorial — his helmet, rifle, boots and the forever young photo.
After the ceremony, Lt. Col. Tom Miller, commander of the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion, talked with Kurczewski telling the former recruiter, “You did good.”
Miller said it’s recruiters like Kurczewski who ensure the Army enlists the best, and Slade was one of them.
The NCO said Slade was the type of soldier the Army needs.
“He came from a bad part of town (in Charlotte) but that never took him down,” Kurczewski said. “He would have been a wonderful soldier.”
Once more sadness for a young soldier gone.
At 19? Undiagnosed heart condition, perhaps? It happens to athletes. And Slade sounds like a highly motivated, hard-charging young man. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Rest in peace, Pfc. Slade.
God bless him and may he rest in peace.
Best part is that since this took place on Fort Huachuca's Chaffee Parade Field, there was no way even if they came here that the "Phred Phelps Phreaks" could get on post to scream their vile hate.
BTTT
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