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On 3/17/2010 5:31:53 PM Colonel Franklin Childress, U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Director wrote
This is not your typical Africa Command Blog. In fact it has nothing to do with Africa, but it is very important for me to share with you our readers a little insight into the United States military. Although it is written by an Army Major General, it could easily be from an Air Force, Marine or Navy or Coast Guard Admiral.
We get criticized from time to time on this blog for being Americans, but this little story is an important reminder of how our citizens support our fallen comrades who pay the ultimate price for our freedom.
It was written by a leader whom I know and respect.
Very Respectfully Submitted, Franklin Childress
The following blog was written by MG Kurt Stein:
Sir:
I'd like to share a good news Army story with you. I apologize up front that it is a bit lengthy but believe it is a worthwhile read.
While flying on United Airlines last week I overheard a telephone conversation from a gentleman seated directly behind me. His words went something like this: "although today was an extremely sad day for me - it was absolutely the happiest day of my life and I am proud to be an American."
This gentleman went on to talk about a funeral he attended in South Carolina and specifically gave great kudos to the US Army for the professionalism displayed at this service. He went into great detail about the funeral service itself and how it was conducted. He went on to say that Jeremiah really enjoyed serving in the Army and now he (man on the phone) clearly understood why.
My ears immediately perked up when I overhead him talk about the Army in such a positive way. He boasted about the General who presented the flags to him and his family, the sharp looking Soldier's of the salute battery, the sounds of taps, how the Soldiers stood at attention for such a long period of time, how the military paid for his family to fly to South Carolina, the number of letters and calls he received from Jeremiah's command, how the Red Cross assisted, and so on. He could not say enough great things about our Army.
I quickly pulled a 2 star card from my brief case and wrote him a thank you note for his kind words about our Army. He had no clue I was in the Army since I was in civilian clothes. Within seconds he tapped me on the shoulder and with tears in his eyes proceeded to tell me the rest of the story.
The gentleman's name is Robert Wittman. He was flying with his entire family, wife, son, daughter, Mom, Dad, Grandparents and friends. They were carrying home the cremated remains of his son, SGT Jeremiah T. Wittman of the 4th Infantry Division who was killed in Afghanistan on 13 February.
Dad told me that Jeremiah already had 2 tours in Iraq and ultimately gave his life in Afghanistan. While in Iraq the 1st time - Jeremiah's vehicle was hit by an IED and several of his buddies were severely injured. He went on to say that his son truly loved the Army and did what he did from the heart. His Dad was a proud man. He did say that he often wondered why his son stayed in the Army after his initial attack in Iraq. Now that he saw the US Army in action at the funeral - he now understands why.
Dad proudly held up the urn and boasted about how beautiful it was and continued to brag about the Army for all to hear. The folks around him listened with big ears and inspiration. I must admit, although it was really a beautiful urn and a wonderful Army story - it brought a slight tear to my eye as I too have a son (CPT in the 82D Airborne) serving in Afghanistan and this moment hit home.
Bottom line - although the family was saddened by the loss of their son - they were all proud to be associated with the US Army. I could see it in their eyes and hear it in their voice. Why? Simply because of the way they were treated by our Army family at the funeral. The 4th ID leadership and others involved did it up right and made a positive lifetime lasting impact with this family.
Great job!
To top off a memorable flight - when the aircraft came to a halt - the pilot announced "ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please. Among us today is a great American Soldier named SGT Jermiah Wittman killed in action on 13 February. Our deepest sympathy, respect and sorrow go out to the Wittman family. We ask that you honor SGT Wittman - our fallen hero, the entire Wittman family and our Armed Forces by remaining seated and allowing the family to depart the aircraft first.
At that moment you could have heard a pin drop in the aircraft but within seconds - everyone on the aircraft was clapping as the family departed on their way. The family departed feeling special and honored - I sat there proud to be an American Soldier.
Sorry this story was a bit long - but thought it was a story worth sharing.
MG Kurt Stein
On 4/27/2010 9:05:25 AM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote "...that their people come into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ before it's too late."
Seriously? Our wars have killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the best an American can offer is that they hope they found Jesus before they were killed? I think the story about the soldier was hokey. There's nothing touching about it. American lives are NOT worth more than the lives of others.
On 4/21/2010 8:06:07 AM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote Thank you for the inspirational message of the fallen Soldier's family. It was truly touching. As for Anonymous in Unspecified, I understand your point of view and I can only hope and pray that through our presence in both Afganistan and Iraq, that their people come into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ before it's too late.
On 4/6/2010 9:45:27 AM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote Check out the WikiLeaks site or CollateralMurder for more info.
On 4/6/2010 8:00:40 AM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote Here's a great example of how fine and honorable the Army is. Doesn't look much like Americans paying the ultimate price for our freedom. Looks more like ignorant pricks having a great time using a heavy machine gun on innocent civilians.
Way to go USA
On 4/2/2010 9:50:36 AM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote We get criticized for being Americans on this blog? Another story playing on the emotions of families dealing with a loss? I'd say this all comes across as a bit hokey. The wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan have nothing to do with my freedom and I'd be intersted to see if anyone can write a thoughtful response connecting the two. Why is it that Americans get teary-eyed and start in with the chest thumping patriotics when a soldier dies, but you never hear of Americans standing up outraged over the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis and Afghans that had NOTHING to do with September 11th and were just caught between our [...] foreign policy and governments that don't care about them. They are every bit as important as an American soldier and anyone that denies that should take some time to examine their own heart.
I've lost friends and family in these wars too—and served honorably for 5 years—but I never once felt like these wars had anything to do with freedom. This isn't stopping the Nazis fighting the Japanese. These wars are more akin to Panama or the Gulf of Tonkin and it's cringe-inducing when grown men and women that should know better still try to convince themselves—and us—that these wars are about freedom .
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