Just returned from Arlington

TCMajor · July 11, 2010, 11:00:51 PM

Hello Friends,

Just a quick note. I have just returned form vacation with the family in the D.C. area. I had the chance to visit Arlington Cemetery while I was there. This was a tremendously difficult task for me as it seems I have way too many friends and fellow soldiers who have taken up permanent residence there. My son, a CAP Cadet, walked with me on my journey. He even, I think, tolerated my ramblings about my friends and their actions while still with us in this world. I had two particularly stunning moments there. I knew I had lost a good friend at the Pentagon on 9-11, in fact he had taken the assignment I was supposed to take when I retired. Yes, I should have been there, but this is not about that. When we got to the mass memorial I was stunned to see 3 other comrads buried there too. I felt horrible that it had taken me this long to find this out, but those who understand the Vietnam Memorial know that the names are the first thing forgotten. Then a long walk through the newly minted headstones revealed several more NCOs and Officers that I had the great pleasure of serving with. They had all served with honor, had all given their last full measure of devotion to this country that we call home. I suddenly felt quite small. Then by accident, maybe, we came upon the grave of PFC ROSS A. McGINNIS. This young man had thrown himself on a grenade in a vehicle to save the lives of his fellow soldiers, I believe he was 23 years old at the time of his death. For his act he received the Medal of Honor. I suddenly felt even more withdrawn and did the only thing that I knew to do as a soldier, I saluted him. Why am I sharing this with all of you? I honestly don't know. Maye because I feel the need to share it with somebody, and I believe there are enough vets in here to understand the ramblings of an old soldier. I did leave with a question in my heart. As a person, have I lived up to the sacrifice that these people made for my country? For me?

I don't live my life conducting violent acts on the enemies of my country anymore. I have also yet to get over some of the things I had to do, but this is not about that either. The question is: am I worthy of their sacrifice? I don't know, but I know I must continue to live by the code that I learned as a soldier, not necessarily what the Army taught me:

-Family is the most important gift we receive on this earth.
-Family is not always blood related.
-Do what is right, even when no one else is watching.
-Leave no comrade, or effort, behind on the field of endeavor.
-Do the best job you can every day, especially if it saves a life.
-Peace is our greatest goal, soldiers pray for peace more than any soul on earth, but peace at any cost will only lead to greater loss of innocent life.

When it is my time, I hope to be able to rest in the company of soldiers knowing that I did my best and that I deserve to lay in their presence. Thank you for indulging me in my ramblings. I am honored to participate in an organization such as this.

tarheel gumby · July 11, 2010, 11:12:22 PM

Major,
Thank you for your service Sir.

Formerly PV - 2 211th MP Co. NCARNG

TCMajor · July 11, 2010, 11:21:35 PM

Joe,

Thank you for your service too.

Kevin

MSgt Van · July 12, 2010, 12:10:32 AM

"...When it is my time, I hope to be able to rest in the company of soldiers knowing that I did my best and that I deserve to lay in their presence. "

Amen Brother.

bosshawk · July 12, 2010, 02:53:17 AM

+1. It is my fondest hope that I, too, will someday join my friends and comrades in that hallowed place. I have been to Arlington quite a number of times: sometimes to help bury someone and sometimes just to visit. I never come away with a dry eye. Same for the Wall. I am humbled by being in the presence of such heroic people.

A.Member · July 12, 2010, 04:46:11 AM

Quote from: TCMajor on July 11, 2010, 11:00:51 PM
As a person, have I lived up to the sacrifice that these people made for my country?

I was out at Arlington about 2 weeks ago "visiting" a friend and I think the question you listed above summed it up for me as well. Very humbling.

To Tommy V and all the others...:

JoeTomasone · July 12, 2010, 04:57:20 AM

+1000.

When those whom I have come to know here in Iraq head home, I usually go with them to the Pax terminal to see them off. I have my own personal tradition of sorts for these occasions: Just before they march out to the aircraft, I say goodbye one last time and salute them. While most know of my CAP affiliation, most (usually lower enlisted) are taken by surprise. It's my way of telling them that I, for one, find them deserving to lay in the company of their fellow soldiers.

ColonelJack · July 12, 2010, 01:08:49 PM

Major Harbison...

Your post increidbly moved me. I thank you for your service, sir. And while I, too, question myself on whether I deserve what the men and women in Arlington (and other national cemeteries) have done on my behalf, I have no doubt that you, sir, are most deserving of it.

All the best, and thank you for the reminder of why we served and why they serve ...

Jack
(former A1C, USAF, back when dirt was new)

DogCollar · July 12, 2010, 01:43:46 PM

Major,
Your posting is quite possibly the most moving thing I've ever read on this board. I have the utmost respect for your service, but even more respect for your ability to reflect on it honestly, and wrestle with the questions it presents! I commend you, sir, as a model for other vets.

My son is about to go off to Army Basic Training in a few short weeks (He reports to Ft. Sill 15 Sept.). He is a reservist that will be a 68 Whiskey (Medic) attached to a unit of the 48th Army Support Hospital, from Ft. Story, Virginia Beach. That unit will most likely go to Afghanistan sometime in the the next 18 months. The reason I am writing this, is at the right time, I would like to share your post with him, with your permission.

Again, thanks for your service and thanks for your reflection on what it means.

Blessings,

juicedude10 · July 12, 2010, 03:48:44 PM

DogCollar,

HOOAH! My dad was Communications Officer...I have no clue what the code is for that, but he was in Desert Storm/Shield, and he came back fine..some times they're lucky enough to not get hurt because they're men are looking out for them.. I have a few friends out there right now, a Marine, A Ranger, and a few back here in the states.. I hope to join the guys out there some day as an officer in either the 75th Ranger Reg. or the 10th Mountain Div., until I'm Captain O-3, and go into SF. After that Delta Force..haha most of that was unimportant. Sorry.

TCMajor · July 12, 2010, 04:13:51 PM

Everyone,

Thank you for the comments. DogCollar, feel free to use any or all of this post. If it helps anyone, I am honored. BTW, I know the hospital unit you are referring to. My company command was in the 11th Transportation Battalion located on Fort Story. I was hardly ever there, but I do know the unit. I lived in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake when I was stationed there. Good luck to your son and thank you.

Chappie · July 12, 2010, 08:34:58 PM

Sir, your post was gripping, articulate, and told as only one who has served honorably and courageously could. Though I have never had the opportunity to visit Arlington, I have spent hours at the Punchbowl National Cemetary and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary. Those visits have been times of reflection and remembrance as I think of those brave men and women who devoted their lives to service and freedom. One day it is my hope to be able to walk the solemn and sacred soil of Arlington.

As others have previously, I too want to convey my deepest appreciation to you for your past and continued service.

capchiro · July 13, 2010, 12:31:59 AM

John 15:13
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

One may honor one's fallen friends by making sure one votes and uses their remaining voice to make the country better for the families of the fallen.

Some gave all, All gave some. We must stand together and attempt to represent our fallen friends with the honor and integrity that they displayed in their finest moment..

ChrisUSN · July 16, 2010, 02:17:08 PM

I was at Arlington about 3/4 weeks ago and the group of classmates that I was touring with was walking back to the bus when I saw this 'goth' girl sitting on the sidewalk (Keep in mind that there is someone who fought for our country's grave 4 feet away from the side walk) smoking a cigarette. I found it completely rude almost like she was saying, 'I dont care what you did I'm more interested in my bad habits than respecting your final resting place.' So I walk up the this girl and I'm like "Excuse me but do you happen to know where you are?" and shes like "I'm in a cemetery" And looks at me with a puzzled yet annoyed look. "Well do you know what you are doing?" "Yeah I'm smoking... duh..." "Actually you're being INCREDIBLY rude. Do you realize that man or woman you your back is facing died for your right to smoke that cigarette? And that you are completely disregarding their final resting place? And how bad of an image you portray of yourself to every single person who walks by?" And all snotty like shes, "Well who are you?" "I'm the 14 year old who has enough common sense to tell you that your actions are 1. Prohibited in Arlington and 2. Incredibly rude and disrespectful not only to the persons grave you are in front of but also every other serviceman or woman who had defended our country." At this point I just walked away. I then realized that my whole tour group had realized what was going on and stopped and was all shaking their heads at the girl. My teachers later told me what a good job I had done and that they were just to afraid to say anything to her.

Arlington was the most moving thing in DC that I saw and it is incredibly sad that all those people died for our right to freedom. Freedom is not free.

-Chris.

BTW Thank you for your service!

davedove · July 16, 2010, 03:24:50 PM

I had the honor of escorting PFC McGinnis to his final rest as part of the Patriot Guard Riders. The most moving part for me was not the anguish of his family, but it was the men who he saved as they paid their last respects. Although I was in the Army, I was fortunate that I never had to face combat, but I have the utmost respect for all those who have.

Every American should visit Arlington and think about what those rows of plain white stones mean.

TCMajor · July 16, 2010, 07:54:26 PM

Chris,

It takes a lot of guts to speak out as you did, especially for a 14-year old. Your parents taught you well, you are to be commended.

Dave,

I have followed the efforts of the Patriot Guard Riders. You guys are awesome. Thank you for honoring our fallen warriors on their way to their final rest.

JC004 · July 17, 2010, 01:24:39 AM

Chris - I did a similar thing not long ago. I am at Arlington often. I've been putting together a set of photos of the Tomb, different famous grave sites, changing of the guard, etc. I find it incredibly disrespectful when I see some of the things people do there or let their kids do.

Quote from: TCMajor on July 16, 2010, 07:54:26 PM
...
Dave,

I have followed the efforts of the Patriot Guard Riders. You guys are awesome. Thank you for honoring our fallen warriors on their way to their final rest.

Ditto. As a USO volunteer for several years now, I've had the chance to meet a lot of these guys and even ride with some of them once. You're a heck of a group. Thank you.

ChrisUSN · July 17, 2010, 02:47:31 AM

Thanks for the support guys!

juicedude10 · July 19, 2010, 11:52:50 PM

The Old Guard that patrols the Tomb Of the Unknown is Wicked!

JC004 · July 20, 2010, 03:34:51 AM

Quote from: juicedude10 on July 19, 2010, 11:52:50 PM
The Old Guard that patrols the Tomb Of the Unknown is Wicked!

er...I guess you could put it that way.

I can assemble some of my Arlington photos for people to see if anyone would like. It's kind of just a start, so there is much to be done yet, but maybe some people not so close to Arlington as I would be interested in seeing some of them. *shrug*