"Mosqvich" (mosqvich)
11/02/2013 at 18:44 • Filed to: Fallen Hero
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"Mosqvich" (mosqvich)
11/02/2013 at 18:44 • Filed to: Fallen Hero | 22
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I've lost friends, no brothers really, during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Above is the grave for Master Sergeant Brad Clemmons who served in my Expeditionary Group in Iraq back in 2006-2007. It still hurts and probably always will. I've also been the unlucky guy to prepare daily casualty briefings for my 4-Star at his morning meetings. Probably the worst day was just after the Battle for Fallujah. I had to prepare each slide for each service, color-coded: Blue for Air Force; Green for Army; Red for the Marines; and Black for the Navy. On that day I had to document around 200 Marines. When I briefed the room full of Generals and Colonels, there wasn't a dry eye amongst them.
On a recent transcontinental flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, a plane full of people were exposed to what I lived with for several years - understanding that a news report on sailors, soldiers, marines and airmen dying in action is not abstract. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! reported on this instance which occurred on October 31st.
"But this transcontinental flight turned out to be everything but ordinary. We later learned, when the captain got on the PA system about 45 minutes prior to landing, that we were transporting a fallen soldier. The plane went quiet as he explained that there was a military escort on-board and asked that everyone remain seated for a couple of minutes so the soldiers could get off first. He also warned us not to be alarmed if we see fire trucks since Los Angeles greets their fallen military with a water canon salute. See my video below.... As you can imagine, everyone was silent and no one got up, not even that person from the back row who pretends he doesn’t [understand] English so he can be first off the plane. I’m sure most had meteor-sized lumps in their throats and tears in their eyes like I did."
After deplaning Johnny Jet explained how the normally frantic and hurried passengers remained still as they watched the fallen soldier's family receive their son/brother/cousin/loved-one.
"I’m not sure if it was the fallen soldier’s mother or wife who I watched slowly walk up to the coffin while a few other family members, wrapped in blankets, stood near with a dozen or so of the Honor Guards standing in salute.
As soon as I saw her reach out to put her hand on her baby’s casket, I walked away."
I can assure you most, probably all, American and other nation's service members understand the risks when they swear allegiance, train, and serve. But that doesn't make it any easier to lose a friend, brother, sister, or the one that hurts the most, a child. As many of you know, I have a son who is a United States Marine. If you don't think I worry about this, than you are sorely mistaken. Stay safe son. Stay safe.
The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 18:47 |
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Thank you for your service. Best wishes to your family.
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Mosqvich
> The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
11/02/2013 at 18:48 |
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Thank you. Our service goes back to the late 1930's. I was pretty proud to enlist my son. I've enjoyed, for the most part, my 23 years in the AF.
McMike
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 18:55 |
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Post like this is why I make posts like this.
http://gawker.com/tell-me-more-1…
While I can understand the guilt and depression..... I'd be careful playing that card.
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Mosqvich
> McMike
11/02/2013 at 19:02 |
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I guess I don't get your point. My point is two-fold:
1. Fallen (or injured service members) are not abstract news items, there are real people impacted.
2. I worry about my child, probably irrationally.
Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 19:02 |
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These stories always get to me.
My grandfather was a Private First Class in Korea and passed away going on 4 years now. Just this last week I went to visit his grave and there was a funeral being held near it. Standing at the foot of his tomb, listening to the honor guard bugler play Taps in the distance hit very close to home.
I hope your son has a very long a fruitful career ahead of him.
Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 19:07 |
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Lost my grandfather in WWII in the Battle of Normandy. These stories sadden and fill me with pride at the same time. Thank you for your families service from Canada.
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McMike
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 19:07 |
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My point was there are some real casualties of war. Even survivors can suffer great physical and emotional injuries that will stay with them.
While our USAF drone pilot may be suffering from some guilt and depression from the remote missions he performed, I think playing the PTSD card in his case belittles those that were on the ground and witnessed great loss.
Maybe this wasn't the best place to share that. I shed a tear reading your story, but shed none for the drone pilot.
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Mosqvich
> Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
11/02/2013 at 19:11 |
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Thanks. Like I said to another poster, my worries are irrational. The number of service members killed is pretty low. But, hey, he's my baby.
On Memorial Day we have a family tradition of placing flags on Veteran graves and saying their name. It's probably silly to say their names, but it reminds of the line from Troy:
" Messenger Boy : Are the stories true? They say your mother was an immortal godess. They say you can't be killed.
Achilles : I wouldn't be bothering with the shield then, would I?
Messenger Boy : The Thesselonian you're fighting... he's the biggest man i've ever seen. I wouldn't want to fight him.
Achilles : Thats why no-one will remember your name."
We remember their names.
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Mosqvich
> McMike
11/02/2013 at 19:12 |
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Ahhhhh. I get it now. And I agree. His remorse suggests his actions were immoral. He'd be wrong and it is BS to wave the PTSD flag.
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Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 19:19 |
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How can one forget?
Thank you for your service, as well as your family's.
hooningillini
> Mosqvich
11/02/2013 at 19:25 |
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As the father of an active duty USN Aviator and son, brother, and uncle of veterans of all four services I thank you for your service and understand your feelings. Wishing all the best to you and your son.
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Mosqvich
> hooningillini
11/02/2013 at 19:29 |
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I never thought twice about going to Iraq and training over 26,000 airmen to go, but all of sudden it's my boy. These stories really hit me hard, but the best part is that it brings to light that there are families behind each member. I'm so thankful to you for raising a child who is willing to serve. It does you credit.
TheOnelectronic
> Mosqvich
11/05/2013 at 15:39 |
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26,000? That is a large number of people.
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Mosqvich
> TheOnelectronic
11/05/2013 at 18:54 |
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Yep. That was just during my tenure. More after I left. These were Airmen picking up Army tasks.
mountain_runner
> Mosqvich
11/10/2013 at 10:07 |
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I went to high school with Brad. He graduated a couple of years ahead of me. That was sad to hear as Brad was a good guy. Rest in peace.
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Mosqvich
> mountain_runner
11/10/2013 at 10:33 |
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He was a hero. I mean it. He had one of the most dangerous jobs in the entire military - Explosive Ordnance Disposal tech. I am sorry for your loss. We were and are very proud of him.
4thwall
> Mosqvich
11/10/2013 at 15:27 |
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Lest we forget.
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mountain_runner
> Mosqvich
11/10/2013 at 17:26 |
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Prayers to you, your family and your son. The families are also deserving of support and recognition. I shared this with some schoolmates and friends. They were very appreciative, yet not at all surprised. Thanks again for writing this and for your service.
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Stephani Thornton Clemmons
> Mosqvich
11/10/2013 at 20:28 |
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Thank you for posting this. We miss Brad dearly and we are extremely proud of him. Mine and Brad's oldest son has followed in Brad's footsteps and is also in the Air Force. He currently serves in Afghanistan. It's always good to see that Brad is still remembered and so many had so much respect for him. Again, Thank You. Stephani
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Mosqvich
> Stephani Thornton Clemmons
11/10/2013 at 20:47 |
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Ma'am, he was HIGHLY regarded by all of us. He stood out as a leader. He is remembered, I assure you. My best to your family.
Rae Ann
> Mosqvich
11/11/2013 at 06:56 |
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ThankYou for the post. Thank you also for your own service. As a family member with brothers who were in the Air Force ,Army. Grateful they are safe . I have other family members active some leaving in a few weeks. You are so right when you speak of how a parent feels at the loss of a child. Don't ever apologize because you are concerned for his safety. Thank You for the article and your service to our country. I will keep your son in my prayers for safety as our own air men leaves in few weeks these boy are close in age. Thanks to all service men and women....
KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
> Mosqvich
05/26/2014 at 17:43 |
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Semper Fidelis, Sir.